No Pay Back

Pilot Knob Lutheran          No Pay Back                   3/6p/2024

Continuing with how do we know if we truly forgave, we consider Joseph’s concern for his brothers, thus far unrepentant and continuing to lie. Genesis 45:2 (Joseph) wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. These are tears of compassion; remember he had been holding back his identity and now no longer could. The last thing he wanted to do was to have his brothers fear him.

Another concern was with his father; was he still alive. He hadn’t seen him for twenty-two years and his father thought he was dead. Genesis 45:3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.

What does Joseph teach us? When we have truly forgiven those who hurt us, we will have no pleasure or desire for them to fear us or be intimidated. Yet that is often what we desire because it ‘serves’ them right. We then say: “They should be afraid of me!” That attitude only shows that bitterness and anger remain in our hearts.

Joseph knew his brothers were afraid of him and so he says: Genesis 45:4-5 “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt and now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. While Joseph could have done any number of things to pay then back or execute revenge, he didn’t. He wants them to know he had completely forgiven them and continues to do so without holding their past wrongs against them.

God is like that; when He forgives, He never remembers. Because He doesn’t remember, (keep a record of wrongs) he will never accuse us of those sins, ever!         1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.

When we send people on a guilt trip it is usually because we have a problem with our own sense of guilt. Perhaps we have not forgiven ourselves what God has already forgiven. 

Pr. Bob SnitzerBy the Way:*If for any reason you want to be removed from this mailing, email this back and say;unsubscribe. No questions asked.

Today: 3:45 Confirmation class. Sunday 3, 9:00 AM Morning worship service. Sermon: Mine! Exodus 20:1-17 12:30 Living Last Supper practice follows lunch that will be provided. Sunday 10, 2:00 GriefShare Please tell others.

For more information go to https://www.griefshare.org/findagroup or 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/