JOSEPH #16 | JOSEPH AND CHRIST #5 | FORGIVING ONE'S BROTHERS
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3612
JOSEPH #16
JOSEPH AND CHRIST #5
FORGIVING ONE'S BROTHERS
Joseph's brothers wronged Joseph terribly. Yet Joseph could discern God's invisible hand behind their sinful actions.
Joseph saw all his suffering as part of God's plan of salvation. And so he forgave. And beyond forgiving, he provided everything his brothers needed for survival.
Like Joseph, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him, who put Him in such a place of excruciating pain. On the Cross of shame and suffering, Jesus interceded for His murderers:
" Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing " ( Luke 23:34 ).
What is today's lesson?
It is all about Joseph's and Jesus' supreme example of forgiveness.
Jesus knew that ultimately that those who drove the crowds and the nails into His hands were acting in the will of God.
Thus He could echo Joseph's words: " It was God who sent me here, not you " ( Gen. 45:8 ).
Once we realise God's sovereign hand is working behind the scenes whenever we come to a place of deep suffering, we too can say to those who hurt or offend us: " It was God who sent me here, not you ". And empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can forgive.
