ABF 19.42 LN

Joseph’s story was never meant to be about Joseph—but a small part of a greater narrative
Hebrews 11
Joseph didn’t “cash in” on God’s blessing when he got to the palace, but continued to serve God
We get to observe Joseph’s trajectory as a man, but we also get some glimpses of some detail. His ability to forgive stands out as a great example
Many people who serve God have had ample sin in their life, but Joseph has very little
He is often seen as an archetype of Christ, specifically in his forgiveness and providence
Genesis 45
Joseph is faithful to so many people: his father, guys in prison, warden, Potiphar, Pharaoh, and his brothers. But often he’s “rewarded” with more difficulty
Joseph was the victim of unspeakable, traumatic bitterness which manifest into evil action. How could he forgive this level of treachery?
Forgiveness is to expunge debt: to erase it completely. The wrong is removed. Today, forgiveness has been expunged. We cancel people and achievements, and we turn fully away from relationships
If forgiveness does exist, it’s been made punitive at best and it’s a bastardization. And unforgiveness has been lifted up as a virtue
Ephesians 4:32. Disciples forgive as Christ forgave. And Christ had no caveat to the extent of his forgiveness. False forgiveness is a sin
Adults act like children in their retribution through emotional abuse in their unforgiveness
When we don’t truly forgive, we fester and rot away. It’s like “drinking poison and expecting another person to die”
Christ’s forgiveness beckons people to come closer to you, and closer to God. It is healing
Romans 12:19
We will keep sinning against one another, especially when many of us sinners are together. But we’re called to community and all the forgiveness it takes to grow together
People say forgiveness only happens when it’s asked for. But Joseph obliterates that assertion by example
Another myth is that forgiveness can only happen when there’s full repentance. Again Joseph proves differently as his brothers don’t even seem repentant
A big reason for our ugly and loveless culture is our lack of a forgiving spirit or even knowledge of what it is and where forgiveness comes from
Does forgiveness require us to forget? No, Joseph brings up clearly their grievous sin in front of them
Forgiveness would be less beautiful if we simply forgot about the wrong
Joseph’s actions are so powerful because they reflect Christ so well.
There’s still a reconciliatory process which must take place. We must live in forgiveness and move past. This is why Matthew 18 helps us through this trauma
Joseph had seemingly no loss of love for his brothers. This is an amazing heart behind godly action
Forgiveness is obliged to redeem and restore relationship and love, if it is to follow Christ
Joseph’s actions are so powerful because they reflect Christ so well.
There’s still a reconciliatory process which must take place. We must live in forgiveness and move past. This is why Matthew 18 helps us through this trauma
Joseph had seemingly no loss of love for his brothers. This is an amazing heart behind godly action
Forgiveness is obliged to redeem and restore relationship and love, if it is to follow Christ