August 5 & 9, 2020
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. —James 1:2-5 ESV
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. —Proverbs 17:3 ESV
Purity is a process. Maturity is a process.
When we go through trials we have the option to
a. Act in a mature Godly way
b. Not a mature Godly way.
A Mature Christian is faithful because he loves and trusts God. Not because we understand our circumstances
A Mature Christian perseveres. How long? As long as it takes.
And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them. —Genesis 42:9 ESV
Sometimes God gives us a dream without a roadmap.
Then they said to one another, “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” And Reuben answered them, “Did I not tell you not to sin against the boy? But you did not listen. So now there comes a reckoning for his blood.” They did not know that Joseph understood them, for there was an interpreter between them. Then he turned away from them and wept. And he returned to them and spoke to them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes. —Genesis 42:21-24 ESV
They believe that they are finally being punished for their sin 20 years ago.
Jealousy and hatred will drive you to do some cold hearted things
Just because he had forgiven them doesn’t mean the emotional weight of what happened had no effect on his soul. Their sin cost him so much.
He said to his brothers, “My money has been put back; here it is in the mouth of my sack!” At this their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?” —Genesis 42:28 ESV
They were expecting judgment and yet experiencing blessing. Something was being bestowed upon them that they did not understand.
And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there —Genesis 43:29-30 ESV.
The fulfillment of the dream was for their benefit and survival.
The power in this story is that Joseph extended forgiveness instead of inflicting justice that he had every right to execute.
How much the narrative would change had he chosen to execute his brothers. The point we would be making is, “don’t sell your brother into slavery, it will come back to haunt you and you….will….die.”
“But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.” —Numbers 32:23 ESV
Is it possible to still feel pain when you have forgiven someone? Yes. But it is impossible to heal without forgiving them.
Forgiveness is what makes reconciliation possible.
Forgiveness is not an option for a believer. It’s a requirement.
A mature Christian forgives before they ask.
FILL OUT THIS WEEKS CONNECTION CARD HERE
- Today I invite Jesus into my life for the first time.
- I commit to acknowledge the pain I feel in light of extending forgiveness
- I commit to forgive everyone that has hurt me. Regardless of how much their sin has cost me.
- I commit to not waste the trials I experience, and use them to become more like Jesus.