Lessons from The Life of Joseph (part 4 of 5)

From Genesis 42-44 we read about the famine that had struck the land.  Joseph's father, Jacob sent his other sons to Egypt for food.  The official they must go before is their brother, Jospeh.  Joseph recognizes his brothers, but they don't recognize him.  Through these chapters, He has them travel a few times between home and Egypt, he questions them (some questions were about their family), and he has them perform certain tasks.  Finally all of the emotion this event had brought into Joseph's life was displayed.

"Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, 'Make everyone go out from me!'  So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.  And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.  Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph; does my father still live?'  But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence.  And Joseph said to his brothers, 'Please come near to me.'  So they came near.  Then he said: 'I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.  But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.  For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting.  And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.  So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.  Hurry and go up to my father, and tell him that God has made me lord of all Egypt, and tell him that I have said come down to me...do not tarry!'"  (Genesis 45:1-9)

What genuine, unspeakable forgiveness Joseph showed to his brothers!  In an even greater manner, Christ can truly and amazingly forgive us.  As His followers, we must be forgivers, too.

I pondered the subject of forgiveness, and this is what forgiveness is:

1. Demonstrating the love God has placed in our hearts.  Through forgiveness, we show that we love God and others.

2. Obeying God.

3. Trusting God to deal with the people who treat us badly or offend us.

4. Letting go of anger and grudges that are destructive.

5. Healing for us, others, and our relationships (including our relationship with God).

6. To be given at anytime freely and unlimitedly.

7. Required if we're to be forgiven by God (see Matthew 6:14-15).

8. Unhuman...It takes the Holy Spirit's help.

God wants us to forgive others, as well as ourselves.  He is always ready to help us do both.  He is also willing and wanting to forgive your sins.  He made a way for your forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus is the only One Who can take your sins away and set you free.  Open yourself up to Him today.  Surrender!  And as you do, forgive yourself and everybody who has ever wronged you, too.  Whatever you need help with, the Lord will help you!

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I believe that You died on the cross for my sins because You loved me.  But because You're God, I believe that You were raised from the dead three days later.  I believe that You are alive forevermore and You want to reconcile me to God, the Father.  So come into my heart.  I know I'm a sinner but  I'm sorry for my sins and I ask You to forgive me.  Help me to live for You from now on.  I give myself, my life, and everything of me to You.  Fill me with Your Holy Spirit to do good for You.  By the help of the Holy Spirit, I also forgive myself and everybody who has ever offended me.  Thank You, Lord!  Thanks for what You've done and what You are going to do for me!  I trust in You to help me.  In Your Name, Amen.