Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me.” And they came closer. And he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. –Genesis 45:4-5
One of the heaviest loads to carry on our journeys is blame. Joseph was first thrown in a pit and then sold into slavery by his ten broth
ers! One might understand if he struggled with bitterness and blamed his brothers for the bad turns in his life.
But surprisingly, Joseph found the freedom of forgiveness which enabled him to thrive in “the land of his affliction.” He saw the mighty hand of God trumping his brother’s evil schemes to bring about the ultimate good of all.
Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. -Genesis 45:4-5
Joseph wanted his brothers to travel lightly as well. When he sent them back to Canaan to retrieve their father Israel, he insisted the trip be blame-free.
So he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the journey.” -Genesis 45:24
So as we journey with God through suffering, we lighten our load when we avoid blaming ourselves or others. Jesus Christ carried the load of guilt to the cross, taking blame and punishment on Himself – once for all time! “For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). God intended blame to die at Calvary, so let’s allow our guilt trips to stop at the cross too.
Lord, teach us how to see Your mighty hand at work and be free of the blame game.
