POWER OF FORGIVENESS

 

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘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.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

 

1.       Now Jacob had died and when the brothers saw that their father was dead.  They are concerned that Joseph had held a grudge against them.  Of course in the minds of many people this would be legitimate.  So they sent word to Joseph and told him that his father left instruction with them that if Joseph felt taking revenge that he was to forgive them for the sake of Jacob. 

 

Joseph wept and here are some reasons. 

 

a.      First, Joseph was not like them.  Even though they had spent 17 years together they had never grasp the fact that Joseph had changed.  Joseph wept because his brothers did not really know him or understand him.  It also hurt him that His father felt the same way as the boys. 

b.      Here is reality even though you walk consistency, integrity and forgiveness.  People who have wronged you sometimes never get it. 

c.      Another truth.  Wrong, hurt, bitterness and unforgiveness cloud everything you do and the way you view yourself and others.  You expect people to treat you the way you treated them.   When you wrong others you expect them to act in kind and are surprised when they don’t.  This is a huge reason why we must get free of unforgiveness in any form.  It robs us of healing, the benefits of heaven, abundant life, freedom, getting our prayers answered and victory in life.  This thinking is destructive and damaging.  Once you become aware of it get rid of it as soon as possible.

d.      The devil will also use this these things to rob, kill and destroy your belief in the kindness of  others. 

e.      Joseph wept because he did not live in that world.  He had seen the kindness of God.  He had learned through his life that you needed to let go of the past to go forward in life.  Paul states forgetting those things that in the past I press forward to the High mark of the calling of God.

f.       The brothers were still living in the past.  They were always waiting for the other shoe to drop.  They thought everyone was like them.  Also they were living under the generational curse of deception.  This can be called a poverty spirit or victim mentality.  Many nations, groups, tribes live under this.  Talk about the Palestinian people.  Jacob has been transformed from Jacob or deceiver into Israel but his sons had not.  Joseph had become like his dad a prince among the people.  The boys were still living under the deception spirit.  That is why we need to break generational curses and tendencies.  Otherwise they continue to be our identity.  Satan will exploit them and our children and their future is at risk.  That is why I claim Act 16:31 for my children.  We will break generational curses at the end of this message.  Redemption is the only way to truly reverse family traits and problems.

g.      This also why our children have to become believers in the Lord.  The sad fact is this reveal d that the other brothers had not embraced the faith of their father.  The only one besides Joseph was Judah.  A powerful truth is just because a family heritage may be Christian that does make us a Christian.  I am so sadden when I hear preachers say at funerals that because of an infant baptism God is going to let that person in heaven.  We also heard it many times in conversations that because a family members knows the Lord they must.  Each one of us must make that decision.

 

18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

 

     The brothers then came in person and threw themselves in front of Joseph and told him they were his slaves.  They knew the world in which they lived.  They knew that Joseph had absolute power.  They knew that Joseph could do what he wanted with absolute impunity.  So they did what they thought was best.  They were in self -preservation and survival mode.  It was a good plan as far as they were concern.  They sent a message and then came in person.  This is always a good approach.  The boys here can teach a lesson in human relationships.  It is always best to rectify something in person.  Also when you are wrong admit it, make it right and say you’re sorry and mean it.  Good strategy and approach.  When you have wronged someone make it right.  You are called to reconciliation and restoration.  This is actually a biblical approach.   Jesus teaches us Matt 18, that when you have wronged or have been wronged we are to go to the offending party to make it right.  Next, if they do not want to hear you bring someone along you both trust to act as mediator to make it right.  If that fails.  Thirdly, bring it before the leadership of the church and lastly if it cannot be resolved break fellowship.  Sometimes it happens.  Don’t get mad or have regret that it does happen because sometimes it is for the best.   Remember you don’t want to have toxic people and situations in your life any longer than need be.    The sad part is that all this groveling was not necessary. 

 

 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

 

1.       Now Joseph here reveals a true understanding of God, redemption and forgiveness.  First, he says, “Don’t be afraid.”  True forgiveness always eliminates the threat of reciprocation.  You have already decided to not do to them what they had done to you.  Forgiveness does that.  The devil had been playing with their minds for decades now Joseph releases them.  Redemption always releases the oppressed.  Remember God has not given us a spirit of fear but love, power and a sound mind.  Perfect love cats out all fear.  Joseph was showing perfect love.  It was now his nature and lifestyle.

2.      Then Joseph states something very powerful.  Am I in the place of God?  Joseph understood that God keeps the book.  He knew that God was the ultimate judge.  He knew that people will reap what they sow.  Joseph refused to be their judge.  They were his brothers and even though he had the right to revenge he chose not.  He showed mercy to them that they did not show to him.  Powerful.  We do not have the right to judge.  We do not have the right to revenge.  Romans 12:19. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”  Such a powerful truth.  Joseph got it I trust we will as well.  Never place yourself in the place of God and you do that when you insist on revenge.  A person of godly character sees this.  Joseph had a heavenly view and godly approach. 

3.      Joseph understood that even though they meant to harm him God turned it for good.  God placed Joseph in Egypt to save not only his family but all men.  Joseph saw the plan of God.  Rom 8:28, all things work together for good.  This story illustrates this.  How else would have Joseph got to where he was without this.  Joseph saw the hand of God each step of the way.  Amazing perspective.  Only truly redeemed and transformed people can see this.  Joseph had a heavenly view.  Slavery, prison were all stepping stones to greatness.  How we handle bad situation will define us and others.  Be like Joseph and look for God’s hand in everything.  If you believe the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord that you believe that even bad things have a purpose.  What you need to look is for the lessons and remember this trial does not define who you are in Christ and it will only last as long as God wishes.  There is gold in every situation you just sometimes had to dig for it to find it.  Joseph saw his destiny as one saving lives do you?  James tells us that if we go rescue someone falling away we can save them from a multitude of sins and regrets.

4.      Joseph then reassures them that he will care for them and their families.  Part of our job as the redeemed is reassure people.  Many times because of their own faults and failures.  This is the work of exhortation, reconciliation, assurance and restoration.  That is part of our mandate so if you see one who needs encouragement do it.  People today need it.  They need kindness, love, grace, peace and assurance.   Close with the story James Robison

5.      Today as I close I want you to be released.  Be released of guilt, shame, regret, hurt, bitterness and unforgiveness.  Today I want to break generational curses and traits.  I want to break the poverty spirit off of you.  Don’t stay a victim.  If you have hurt someone and have not made it right please do.