Pilot Knob Lutheran Forgive – Don’t Tell 2/21/2024
Joseph, the man who had every reason to be bitter and angry was on God’s anvil shaping his character to be used later to serve the nation of Israel and alter the course of history.
Unbeknown to his brothers they would eventually face the brother they hated and wanted to kill. After about twenty-two years of separation there is the reunion and all signs of bitterness, anger and revenge are absent.
What can we learn?
Genesis 45:1 Then Joseph could not control himself in front of everyone standing before him, and he shouted, “Have everyone leave me!” So there was no one with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. Why would he have everyone leave? Because he didn’t want anyone to know what his brothers did to him years ago. The Egyptians saw him as a hero and he was the ‘Vice-Pharoah.’ Would the Egyptians hate his brothers and try to do them harm? Joseph wanted Egypt to view them as good people and treat them kindly. So, Joseph not only let those with him leave the room, but ensured the Egyptians could not know what they did.
This is one indication of total forgiveness. Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us. Micah 7:19 He will again take pity on us; He will trample on our wrongdoings. Yes, You will cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea. How God forgives us is how we need to forgive others. We usually use their offence to punish them by telling others in a way to expose their ‘evil’ behavior, and look bad in the eyes of others. Is that what God does with our sins? He completely forgives to the tune of not remembering, not telling, and not reminding us of them. It’s like it never happened. Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
One sign of truly forgiving is not letting anyone know what someone said about you or did to you. Not easy.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
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Today: 3:45 Confirmation class.
Sunday 3, 9:00 AM Morning worship service and Holy Communion. Sermon: Strike the Rock!
12:00 Living Last Supper practice following lunch that will be provided.
Sunday 10, GriefShare Please tell others. For more information go to https://www.griefshare.org/findagroupor contact Pr. Bob or Sue Reese.
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/