Genesis 44:1-45:28
Matthew 14:13-36
Psalm 18:37-50
Proverbs 4:11-13
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CityLight Pastor Commentary:
Hidden in the midst of Joseph’s story is an invaluable truth and eternal lesson. Even though all of us are sinful and fall short of God’s glory (Rom 3:23), HE STILL LOVES US! In Gen 45:5, Joseph tells his brothers, “…do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” Yes, Joseph’s brothers acted wickedly; but Joseph tells them 1) not to grieve and 2) not to be angry with themselves. Joseph’s lesson for all of us is simply this: banish your grief and stop being angry at yourself. God has a purpose in everything He does, and works all things for our good when we love Him (Rom 8:28); so stop beating yourself up and rely on the finished work of the Cross for forgiveness. If God Himself isn’t even angry at you, why should you be angry at yourself? If Joseph had never been sent into Egypt, his entire family and most of the known world would have starved to death. If Jesus Christ had never been nailed to the Cross, sinful man wouldn’t have been given a path to reconciliation with his Creator. God never causes our wickedness, but He can and does work salvation through it. Accept God’s forgiveness and move forward knowing He loves you!
Prayer:
“Father, I give you my grief. All of it. You tell us to cast our cares upon You because You want to take our burdens for us. I freely give You all my grief and all my anger, and in exchange I accept a peace that only You can provide. In Jesus’ Mighty Name.”