There’s always that one person
who keeps the family strong - like a father, mother or some other elder. After Jacob died, the brothers of Joseph began to worry. They thought Joseph was sure to administer fury. They remembered the wrong they had done, and they believed that now that their father was gone, Joseph would surely carry out his grudge. So they sent a message saying, “Joseph, your father left these instructions before he died: "This is what you are to say to Joseph: “I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly. Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” The scripture says, “And when their message came, Joseph wept.” It was if Joseph knew the commandment “Forgive others as I have forgiven you.” By the way, this story reminds me of Jacob and Esau - and how Jacob sent gifts to Esau before entering his land. Jacob had previously wronged Esau by taking his birthright from Isaac their father. Esau was originally so angry that he was going to murder, but over time he learned to forgive Esau. He showed Jacob a beautiful expression of love - and they also wept. Anyway, back to Joseph and the sons of Jacob. The scripture says, The brothers then came and submitted to Joseph, saying “We are your slaves.” Joseph assured them not to be afraid. He said, “Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and for your children.” Joseph inherently knew, “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Joseph was kind. The scripture says that Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father’s family. The sons of Jacob achieved reconciliation, and prospered together in the land of Egypt. The scripture says that Joseph lived to be 110, and saw the third generation of Ephraim’s children. Ephraim was Joseph's youngest son. The scripture also says that before his death Joseph also experienced “the children of Makir (Joseph’s great-grandchildren), son of Manasseh (Joseph’s older son) being placed on his knees.” Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Joseph had great faith in God. Joseph then made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” Joseph wanted to be buried in the Cave by Mamre. "So Joseph died at the age of 110. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.” Genesis 50:1-26 How many families do you seen torn apart, when a grudge is held and unforgiveness is allowed? Joseph experienced slavery, impending death and imprisonment all at the hands of envious brothers, yet he responded with forgiveness and love. His Last Will read, “Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we also have forgiven those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father in Heaven will not forgive you.” Matthew 6:9-15 Joseph was the forgiving brother.
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