Genesis 50: No Cross, No Crown
Scripture Focus:
“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?’”
“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.”
— Genesis 50:19–20 (ESV)
Read in context →
Reflection:
This is one of the most powerful gospel declarations in all of Genesis. Joseph, after all the betrayal, false accusations, prison years, and pain, looks at his brothers—the very ones who sold him—and says, “Am I in the place of God?” He removes himself from the judge’s seat and steps into the posture of mercy.
This is where the gospel begins: at the surrender of our desire to be like God. At the root of every human heart is the temptation of Eve: “You will be like God.” We want to decide who is worthy of forgiveness, who should be judged, and who should pay. But Joseph rejects this. He lays down the right to retaliate and chooses to forgive.
Letting God Be God
When Joseph says, “Am I in the place of God?” he’s teaching us something crucial: We are not God—therefore, we are in no place to hold onto resentment. We are called to release, to forgive, and to do good to those who wrong us. Not because it’s easy, but because God is the ultimate judge and Redeemer.
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…”
Joseph's story proves the sovereignty of God: He can use every wound, every betrayal, every injustice for redemption. But this promise is not for everyone. It’s for those who, like Joseph, don’t give up and keep trusting in the Lord.
Paul echoes this in Romans 8:28:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
From Death Comes Life
This is the mystery of the cross. God turns pain into power, death into life, betrayal into blessing. The devil intended to destroy Joseph, but Joseph surrendered to God’s process. And the result? Many were saved.
This is the secret of the gospel. As Jesus said:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
— John 12:24
Joseph died to his right for revenge—and brought life to a nation.
Jesus died on a cross—and brought life to the world.
You and I are called to the same: die to self, and live to give life.
My father used to say, “No cross, no crown.”
You can hold onto your pain and poison others. Or you can surrender it to God, die to your pride, and bring forth fruit that will last for eternity.
You can live and kill many…
Or you can die and cause many to live.
Prayer:
Father, I surrender the judge’s seat today. I lay down every grudge, every offense, and every right to hold on to pain. I am not in Your place. You are the Redeemer, the Judge, and the Healer. Teach me to forgive like Joseph, to love like Jesus, and to trust that You will turn all things for good. May my death to self bring life to others. No cross, no crown. In Jesus’ name, amen.