Genesis 50:15-26

Brothers and sisters, today we come to the final chapter of Joseph’s story—a story of betrayal and redemption, of suffering and triumph, of loss and restoration. But above all, it is a story of God’s sovereignty. It is a story that teaches us that a life lived in trust and obedience to God leaves a legacy far greater than wealth, status, or power—it leaves a legacy of faith.

Jacob, the great patriarch, had died. And now, for the first time, Joseph’s brothers stood before him without their father’s covering. And fear gripped their hearts.

“What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrong, we did to him?”

Oh, church, isn’t it amazing how guilt can outlive the moment of sin?

Years had passed. Joseph had provided for them, shown them kindness, and kept them safe in Egypt. But still, deep in their hearts, they wondered, Will we finally face judgment? Will he now make us pay?

And so, they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘Tell Joseph to forgive your brothers for the sins and the wrongs they committed against you.’”

Now, we do not know if Jacob ever spoke these words, but one thing is clear—the brothers still did not understand the depth of Joseph’s forgiveness.

And when Joseph received this message, he wept.

Oh, my friends, how it must have hurt Joseph to see that his brothers still doubted his love! They had lived in fear of a debt that had already been canceled. They had been carrying a burden that Joseph had already released.

And so, as they came before him, falling at his feet, saying, “We are your servants,” Joseph responded—not with anger, not with vengeance, but with words that revealed the depth of his faith in God’s plan.

“Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God?”

Oh, church, hear me—when we truly trust God, we let go of the need for revenge.

Joseph did not pretend that what they did was good. He did not minimize the pain. But he saw something far greater than their sin—he saw God’s sovereignty at work.

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

Oh, let this sink deep into your heart today—nothing man does can override the purpose of God.

Yes, they had sinned. Yes, they had betrayed him. Yes, they had tried to destroy him. But God!

What they meant for evil, God was using for good.

Some of you have walked through betrayals. Some of you have suffered injustice. Some of you have been hurt by people you loved and trusted. But I tell you today—God wastes nothing.

The pain they caused you does not define you—God’s plan does.

Joseph did not just forgive—he blessed them.

“So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.”

Church, this is the heart of a man who truly knows God. He did not just release his brothers from their guilt—he provided for them.

Because trusting God does not just affect our past—it changes our legacy.

Joseph lived to see his great-grandchildren, and before he died, he made one final declaration of faith.

“I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”

Oh, my friends, listen to this—Joseph had spent 93 years in Egypt. He had risen to power, lived in wealth, and had every reason to call Egypt his home. But he never forgot where he truly belonged.

He told them, “When God brings you out of Egypt, take my bones with you.”

And centuries later, when Moses led the Israelites out of slavery, they carried Joseph’s bones with them.

Church, do you see it? Joseph’s faith outlived him.

Because when you walk with God, your life does not end when you die. The seeds you plant, the faith you live by the trust you place in Him—it carries on through generations.

And so, I ask you today—what kind of legacy are you leaving?

Are you holding onto past pain, letting bitterness write your story? Or are you trusting that what was meant for evil, God is turning for good?

Are you building your life on temporary success? Or are you walking in faith, knowing that this world is not your home?

Joseph’s story did not end in Egypt—it continued through every generation that carried his bones toward the Promised Land.

And your story does not end with you—it will live on in those you impact.

So today, forgive.

Today, trust God’s plan.

Today, choose faith over fear, purpose over revenge, legacy over momentary pain.

Because when we trust God completely, our lives will leave a testimony that outlives us.

Amen.