Friday, July 14, 2006
Genesis 50:21 ". . . Do not be afraid: I will provide for you and your little ones." And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
JOSEPH (MERCIFUL)
I wish I had a nickel for every time someone told me, "God might be able to forgive him for what he did, but I'm not God."
The sin dark human heart is all too ready to retaliate, but so unwilling to forgive. The world operates on the principle: "I don't get mad, I get even." (Actually, they get mad, too.)
We see it everyday -- hatred, discord, a refusal to forgive and forget. "How dare someone treat ME like that!" As if we have never hurt anyone with unkind words or actions. As if we are somehow so pure and righteous as to deserve perfect treatment from others.
Satan certainly would love to plant the seed of bitterness and resentment toward others in the heart of God's children. But Jesus warns us that a refusal to forgive others may end up in our forfeiting God's forgiveness.
Consider today's Bible verse above. These are Joseph's words to his brothers. After their father Jacob died, Joseph's brothers were afraid that little brother would now carry out vengeance on them for the great evil they had done to him. (Recall how they had sold Joseph as a slave, and as a result had separated him from his father for twenty years.) The world would say, "Do it, Joseph! Make them pay for what they did to you!"
But our man of God shows great mercy. Joseph forgives his brothers. This is a marvelous testament to the power of the Savior's redeeming love and forgiveness! No, we are not God! But through Word and Sacrament our hearts have been touched, and are being touched, by the forgiving love of God. The Holy Spirit through the Means of Grace imprints the cross of Jesus on our hearts. That's how Joseph was able to forgive. May we turn to the healing wounds of Jesus for strength to forgive those who trespass against us.
