Genesis 42-47 (If you have the time, it is worth the
read!)
Today we fast forward to the end of the Joseph story
where he is reconciled to his brothers and reunited with his Father. This is
one of the most beautiful stories of forgiveness and reconciliation in the
Bible. I say forgiveness and reconciliation because they are not the same. As
we have talked about before, you can forgive someone without restoring a
relationship with them. It is clear in these chapters for today that Joseph was
still working on both.
Forgiveness comes first. In chapter 42, we see the
hurt and anger that Joseph has harbored all his life come out when he sees his
brothers approaching him to buy grain. It is not until he overhears his
brothers regretting their actions against him that his heart seems to begin to
change. Over the course of the next few chapters, Joseph lets go of his
resentment and forgives. That would be significant on its own.
But then he begins to check out whether his brothers
are ready to reconcile. He puts them through a series of “tests” to see if they
are willing to be honest with him. You can forgive someone even without their
cooperation, but reconciliation requires the honest effort of all parties.
Joseph sees that his brothers are now being honest with him and so he
eventually reveals who he is, letting go of his last bit of resistance to
reconciliation. This leads to Joseph being reconciled to his Father, something
that never happens if he is not willing to reconcile.
This story of forgiveness and reconciliation is messy.
Most stories of forgiveness and reconciliation are. It is some of the hardest
spiritual and emotional work we will ever do. But if we don’t do it the work,
some outcomes that we long for will never happen. I strongly recommend the
journey.
Prayer: Lord help us get free from our resentments and
deep-seated anger. Help us to see the joy that could be ours if we submit to
the journey with your help. Amen.
Prayer Focus: Pray for forgiveness and healing for our
divided nation.
Song: Toby Mac – Forgiveness (ft. Lecrae)
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