You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.

Genesis 50:15-21, When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph should bear a grudge against us and pay us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Joseph’s brothers had fears in their own minds, for they could not comprehend the amazing grace that had been shown to them. It is a small picture of the amazing grace that we have available through the cross. It is, as one write put it, scandalous grace. It is found only in greater measure as Jesus looked upon His tormentors and asked forgiveness “for they know not what they do.” And what He did in that horrific sacrifice is offered to us: forgiveness for sins. Will we receive it?

We want to live like this, Lord; we want to forgive others as we have been forgiven, to demonstrate Your amazing grace in a sin sick world.