GOD SPEAKS WORDS OF COMFORT
It was God who sent me ahead of you to save men's lives. Gen 45:5, N.E.B.
One of the most familiar stories in the Old Testament is that of Joseph. Though sold into Egyptian slavery by his older brothers, his integrity dominates the narrative. He demonstrated unbudging allegiance to the living God and epitomized the triumph of good over evil in the face of insurmountable odds. In his tumultuous life is portrayed the essence of who God is and how He relates to fallen mankind.
As our text today expresses, Joseph, as a type of Christ, was sent by God into Egypt to act the part of savior to His people. It is important to note, however, that physical relief, welcome as it may have been, was only the most obvious evidence of God's marvelous dealings with Israel. For in the person of Joseph was expressed some of the most sublime characteristics of our great God.
With all the power of the Egyptian monarchy behind him, Joseph's attitude toward his brothers, those hateful betrayers of his youth, was extraordinary. Certainly he would have had every reason, every "right," to extract from them at least some retribution for their treacherous act in selling him to Ishaelite merchants. At the minimum, he could have justly reprimanded them severely for their heartless wickedness. Instead, Joseph comforts them! He invited them to "come closer" to him, to be assured that he did not want them to fear him because of what they had done. "I will take care of you," he told them with tears of gladness.
Joseph deemed it a privilege to nurture those that he undeniably could have counted as his enemies! Why? And in the same breath we might well ask why God would ever consider it a privilege to nurture us, rebels and conivers that we are! Why has God chosen humility instead of the potential use of His power? The answer is simple: love.
Love is its own reason. Why does a mother treasure any opportunity to look after the needs of her wayward teenager? Would she not speedily forget all past grievances in favor of a renewed relationship? Similarly, God joyfully counts our restored friendship with Him of supreme value. Like Joseph, He speaks comfortingly to us: "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jer. 29:11, R.S.V.).
It was God who sent me ahead of you to save men's lives. Gen 45:5, N.E.B.
One of the most familiar stories in the Old Testament is that of Joseph. Though sold into Egyptian slavery by his older brothers, his integrity dominates the narrative. He demonstrated unbudging allegiance to the living God and epitomized the triumph of good over evil in the face of insurmountable odds. In his tumultuous life is portrayed the essence of who God is and how He relates to fallen mankind.
As our text today expresses, Joseph, as a type of Christ, was sent by God into Egypt to act the part of savior to His people. It is important to note, however, that physical relief, welcome as it may have been, was only the most obvious evidence of God's marvelous dealings with Israel. For in the person of Joseph was expressed some of the most sublime characteristics of our great God.
With all the power of the Egyptian monarchy behind him, Joseph's attitude toward his brothers, those hateful betrayers of his youth, was extraordinary. Certainly he would have had every reason, every "right," to extract from them at least some retribution for their treacherous act in selling him to Ishaelite merchants. At the minimum, he could have justly reprimanded them severely for their heartless wickedness. Instead, Joseph comforts them! He invited them to "come closer" to him, to be assured that he did not want them to fear him because of what they had done. "I will take care of you," he told them with tears of gladness.
Joseph deemed it a privilege to nurture those that he undeniably could have counted as his enemies! Why? And in the same breath we might well ask why God would ever consider it a privilege to nurture us, rebels and conivers that we are! Why has God chosen humility instead of the potential use of His power? The answer is simple: love.
Love is its own reason. Why does a mother treasure any opportunity to look after the needs of her wayward teenager? Would she not speedily forget all past grievances in favor of a renewed relationship? Similarly, God joyfully counts our restored friendship with Him of supreme value. Like Joseph, He speaks comfortingly to us: "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jer. 29:11, R.S.V.).
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