(Read Gen 45:1-3)
This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing with our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”, by continuing in the story of Joseph. Last week we saw how Judah openly proved the brothers were a repentant bunch. They no longer operated in hatred and jealousy. The brothers had grown (or died) to the point where they could operate in love and compassion. After Judah passionately pleaded the case for Benjamin and even offered to take his place as the prisoner and slave, Joseph was convinced his brothers had changed. And that point he could not take it any longer. Joseph had played the role of a distant ruler for long enough. After his brothers demonstrated their brokenness, he was ready to expose his love and forgiveness.
Joseph played the role one last time. He cried out, “Leave! Clear out – everyone leave!” And with that, Joseph was left all alone with his brothers. Joseph looked around and the 12 brothers were back together again. They had been in the same room just a few hours earlier, but Joseph was not sure about them yet. Joseph still had his guard up them. But now, with his guard down and his servants gone, Joseph lost it. Joseph began to cry uncontrollably. He cried so loud that the Egyptians couldn’t help but hear him. I am sure his brothers were baffled at why the Prime Minister of Egypt was crying so uncontrollably before them, and then finally, through the tears, Joseph spoke to his brothers and said, “I am Joseph. Is my father really still alive?” His brothers could not say a word. They were speechless, The brothers could not believe what they were hearing and seeing. The one they had betrayed was still alive and in spite of their wrongdoings towards him, his love was visibly overflowing for them.
So what does this mean to you today? I will attempt to glean a few golden nuggets from the direct application of Joseph and his brothers tomorrow, but for now, I feel led to point out a few parallels between Joseph and Jesus in this event.
1. Patience: Joseph wanted dearly to expose himself to his brothers, but he patiently waited until they proved they had changed. In the case of Jesus, He will not wait until you are changed, because you cannot truly change without Him, but He will wait until you repent. Jesus loves you and He wants to expose Himself to you, but His complete exposure does not come until after you repent of your sin and accept Him as Lord.
2. Compassion: In Jesus’ earthly ministry we see several examples of His upward passion for the Father and His outward compassion for men. Jesus was moved to action by the plight of others. Jesus was living well, but He did not allow his fortune cause Him to overlook the misfortune of others. Likewise, Joseph operated in compassion. He was living very well while others were starving. He was the second in command of the only nation with food. He looked at his brothers, who were being negatively impacted by the famine, and he operated in compassion towards them. Joseph did not allow his plenty to cause him to overlook their lack. Like Jesus and Joseph, the Father expects us to live our lives with passion for God and compassion for men.
3. Forgiveness: These brothers had done Joseph wrong. Joseph was in position to repay evil with evil. He could have easily destroyed his brothers. One word from Joseph and his brothers would have been killed. But instead of sentencing them for their misdeeds, Joseph chose to forgive them. Not because they earned his forgiveness, but by grace. Likewise, Jesus operates in forgiveness and grace. We come to Him as people who have done Him wrong. We come to the foot of the cross as broken men and women who have sinned against God more times than we can remember, and instead of destroying us, God forgives us. Not because we deserve it, but only because of His amazing grace. So when you are dealing with others, remember, forgiven people forgive people.
4. Love: Joseph operated in love. He had his brother’s best interest in mind. He was not focused on their wrongs, he was focused on their need. Once they demonstrated a changed heart, Joseph was willing to expose his love. Likewise, Jesus loves you. He loves you in spite of everything you have done wrong. He has your best interest in mind. He made plans for you before the world began, and His plans are good plans; plans to bless you, plans to use you for His glory, plans to give you a future and a hope. And like Joseph, Jesus is not focused on your wrongs, He is focused on blessing you. Once you show your repentance, the outpour of love you will receive from Jesus will change you forever.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. I will never forget that faith works by love. Love is not something You have or something You do, Love is WHO YOU ARE. You are love. The Bible says YOU ARE LOVE and YOU ARE LIGHT. You live in me. As I die to self and I attempt to pursue Your divine assignment for my life by faith, I will become LOVE and LIGHT in this world. Not by earning it, or by working for it. No, by simply dying to self. The more I die to sin and self, the more Your LOVE and Your LIGHT can flow through me freely. Joseph became love to his brothers. Jesus became love to the world. I will become love today. I live my life with an unyielding passion for God and compassion for men! Grace and love have come TO me. Now grace and love shall flow THROUGH me. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
