Joseph Wept

Read Genesis 42:6-45:15
 
Genesis 42:20-21 “But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do. 21 They said to one another, ‘Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come upon us.”
 
ABOUT 20 years had passed since Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, but their guilt had not. A moment of hateful passion had clung to each brother’s heart and mind. The memory slowly and persistently increased their guilt and their grief.
   How many times had they awakened in the night distressed over their evil deed? How often had they grieved for their father who had mourned so deeply? Did they repeatedly ask themselves, “Should I confess?” But no one spoke. And the sin carved at their hearts, binding them day-by-day.
   Are you holding something in your heart that cuts at your soul? Speak to God about it. Confess to the one you’ve wronged. Allow God’s grace to heal the wound. Your heart has more room for love and joy when it is whole in God’s forgiveness. Psalms 27:7 Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.
 
“Father, Forgive Them.”
 
Genesis 43:30 Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there.
 
JOSEPH wept with joy when his full brother Benjamin was brought to him. But even more, we can believe Joseph grieved the lost years he was separated from his family and his father, for lost time impossible now to experience.
   Families seem to break down too easily, don’t they? A moment’s outburst can cause years of anger. Disagreements can become agents of division. Submission, humility and forgiveness take a back seat to pride and self-satisfaction.
   Joseph’s forgiveness may be the strongest evidence God’s power was upon him. With one word, he could have sold his brothers as slaves or imprisoned them as he had been. But Joseph used his power to forgive.
   This is God’s Love Story, demonstrated in one man’s actions. Love cannot fully be where unforgiveness holds tightly to our hearts. A Christ-like life demands forgiveness. That’s why Jesus so forcefully teaches in Matthew 6:14-15 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” And that is why Jesus spoke God’s love on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) With one word, the LORD can easily imprison us in torment, declaring us, “Guilty.” Instead, Jesus came in humility with love to be the way of forgiveness, so you will be with him forevermore.
   What regrets do you carry each day, even through the years? Do you need to ask forgiveness or admit you were wrong about something? Do you need to forgive, to open your arms and welcome someone back to you?