Bible Reading Commitment, Encouragement, and Challenge
April 15 – Genesis 48-50
Observe with some (Interpretation in Parentheses)
- Focusing on Genesis 50
- The story of Joseph always challenges me, convicts me, and encourages me
- So often, as I get to the end of the book of Genesis, I am amazed by the forgiveness that Joseph offers to his brothers
- It is not a begrudging forgiveness or a forgiveness where he just tolerates the existence of his brothers
- Joseph forgives them and comforts them and takes care of them lavishly
- However, what I want to notice and meditate on today is the prevailing fear of the brothers after their father died
- The brothers, like so many of us who have greatly offended and sinned against others (especially God), we are so used to a works-based society/acceptance, that we have a hard time believing in and accepting forgiveness that is free and lavish
- The brothers think that Joseph is just being nice to them because their father would be angry if Joseph took revenge
- But, they just could not comprehend such free forgiveness because of Joseph’s faith in God’s sovereignty and grace
- Similarly, so many people have such a hard time believing in God’s forgiveness because it is so amazing
- God’s forgiveness of sinners who have greatly and repeatedly and willingly sinned against Him is utterly undeserved
- There is nothing sinners can DO to make them more eligible to receive God’s forgiveness
- And, God’s forgiveness He offers is not just for past sins, to try it again to make it up with a better life afterward
- God’s forgiveness forgives sins past, present, and future!
- So amazing, so contrary to everything else we experience and feel in this world
- But, also, so TRUE!
- Don’t believe your “gut feelings” that you have sinned too much
- Don’t believe your “normal response” to want to work for someone’s forgiveness and love and acceptance
- Believe God’s Word that He forgives freely if we repent and believe in Christ
How Points to Christ
- God can offer such free and lavish forgiveness all because of Jesus Christ, who bore the justice of God’s wrath against sin on the cross
- Justice has been served, by Jesus
- That is why all those who are in Christ by repentance and faith, no longer have to pay for their sins anymore
- Our sins are forgiven!
Apply
- Please pray that I personally would regularly believe this truth, especially as the enemy wants to constantly bring up a guilty conscience against me
- Please pray that I would treat others with the same undeserved mercy and grace that I have received from God
- Please pray that I would joyfully and boldly tell others of God’s unique forgiveness in Christ
- And please pray that people who are so used to a works-based life, would see the truth and glory of grace in God’s forgiveness
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