Genesis 50

Genesis 50: Looking Back With 20/20 Vision

We’ve made it. Genesis chapter 50—the finale. As we arrive at the end of this long journey, we can finally look back over Joseph’s life and see what was impossible to see while living it in real time. Chapter 50 gives us the gift of perspective.

It’s one thing to say that God works all things together for good and for His glory. It’s another thing entirely to live that truth—especially in the middle of pain, loss, betrayal, or fear. Genesis 50 invites us into reflection. It asks us to consider: Where have we endured something difficult that we can now look back on and say, “Thank you, Lord—only You could have done that”?

Joseph’s story reminds us that clarity often comes at the end, not the beginning. What felt confusing, unfair, or devastating along the way is revealed—over time—to be purposeful in the hands of a faithful God.

What You Intended for Evil, God Intended for Good

Before we even dive into Joseph’s final words, we’re reminded that reflection often comes through lived experience. For us, one of those “Genesis 50 moments” began with a car accident.

We had been praying about our family and the calling God had placed on us—a calling that included having six kids. Logistically, that felt impossible. We didn’t even have a vehicle big enough for our family as it was. And then, one Saturday morning on the freeway, everything changed. A reckless driver slammed into our van at high speed, totaled it, and fled the scene. By God’s grace, lives were spared.

What followed was a long, winding journey: insurance payouts, unexpected generosity from our church community, a van purchase that turned out to involve fraud, legal threats, fear that we’d lose everything we had invested. For a season, it felt like Joseph in prison—waiting, wondering, trusting without answers.

Years later, we can say this with clarity: God was working. Through loss, betrayal, and uncertainty, He provided exactly what we needed—at exactly the right time. What felt like a setback became a “backhanded upgrade.” That’s Genesis 50 vision.

Joseph articulates this truth in one of the most beautiful verses in all of Scripture:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)

Joseph understood something profound: vengeance belongs to the Lord. His power wasn’t meant for domination, but for blessing. His forgiveness was real, complete, and not dependent on circumstances or people proving themselves worthy.

And yet, even here, we see how hard it is for others to believe grace is truly free. Joseph’s brothers, still fearful after their father’s death, assume revenge is coming. Their fear reveals that reconciliation had not fully taken root in their hearts—even though Joseph’s forgiveness had been genuine all along.

A Hope That Outlives Death

Genesis 50 closes not with triumph, but with trust.

Joseph lives to see generations flourish. After decades of separation, betrayal, and suffering, he ends his life surrounded by family—watching God’s promises unfold. And as he prepares to die, his faith looks forward:

“God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land He promised…” (Genesis 50:24)

Joseph dies in Egypt, but his hope is anchored in the Promised Land. His bones will one day be carried home—a promise fulfilled generations later in the book of Exodus. Genesis ends, but the story of God’s faithfulness does not.

Christian hope reminds us that death is not the end. As Billy Graham once said, “I’m not dying—I’m just changing my address.” For those in Christ, grief is real, but it is never without hope. As Paul writes, nothing—neither death nor life, neither present nor future—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Genesis 50 is not just the end of a book. It’s a reminder that God is always writing a bigger story. And even when we don’t yet understand the chapter we’re in, we can trust the Author.

Thank you for walking with us through Genesis. Our prayer is that you’ve met God in His Word—and that you’re reminded once again that what He began, He is faithful to complete.