Evil Meant, Good Intended

Genesis closes with death and burial, yet it is full of hope. Jacob's grand funeral procession to Canaan, with Egypt's leaders mourning, shows how God had blessed the nations through Joseph. Burying Jacob at Machpelah again declares faith that Canaan belongs to Israel by God's promise.

The brothers' fear reveals how hard it can be to believe in forgiveness. Joseph's reply is a summary of the whole Joseph story and a key to understanding God's providence: As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today. Both statements are true together. Human beings are responsible for their sins, and God is sovereign over them, able to accomplish His good purposes even through wrongdoing. In the New Testament, Acts 2:23 says Jesus was handed over by God's plan, though wicked hands crucified Him.

Joseph refuses to take God's place as judge, and instead he comforted them, and spoke kindly to them. Genesis begins with life in a garden and ends with a coffin in Egypt. Yet Joseph's final words look ahead: God will surely visit you. Hebrews 11:22 says by faith Joseph spoke of the exodus and gave instructions about his bones. Exodus 13:19 records Moses carrying them out, and Joshua 24:32 records their burial in Shechem. God's promises outlast every generation.