Monday, October 3, 2016
Next to Jesus, who is your favorite person in the Bible? Maybe he or she is a "Hero of Faith," like those listed in Hebrews chapter eleven. I asked a few pastor friends of mine who their favorite person of the Bible is and why.
"BY FAITH ALONE" -- LIKE JOSEPH (SON OF JACOB)
A couple of my friends picked Joseph and said, "What courage and faithfulness under fire! Joseph puts his trust in the Lord even in the midst of severe trials and temptations. What a life of humble submission knowing that all things work together for our 'eternal' good!"
Have you ever been spoiled or favored by a parent or grandparent?
Have you ever told the truth and been hated for it?
Were you ever treated harshly or has great evil ever been done to you?
Have you ever been tempted to break God's commandments?
Did you ever get blamed for something you didn't do?
Has anyone ever carelessly forgotten about you?
Have you ever had the opportunity to get sweet revenge?
Did you ever have every reason to doubt God's existence in your life?
Joseph faced all of these challenges throughout his life. He was spoiled by his father Jacob, hated and badly mistreated by his brothers, tempted by Potiphar's wife, blamed for her false report of rape, forgotten by the butler he helped while in prison, tempted to humiliate and destroy his brothers, and for many years of his life had every reason to give up his faith. But in all these things Joseph said to his brothers, "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20).
"God meant it for good." That is a phrase worth remembering! Joseph is such a great example of trusting in the LORD "by faith alone." He knew and believed God had a plan for Him certainly on this earth, but even more so for heaven! Joseph is a great example of trusting in the love and mercy of God. It is this faith alone that we too cling to in Christ Jesus our Savior! It is this faith alone that believes that, "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those He calls according to His purpose!" (Romans 8:28).
Faith clings to Jesus' cross alone,
And rests in Him unceasing;
And by its fruits true faith is known,
With love and hope increasing.
Yet faith alone doth justify,
Works serve thy neighbor and supply
The proof that faith is living.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 377:9)
