Text: Genesis 45:3-8
Memory Verse: “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5).
The scriptural account of Joseph’s meteoric rise from obscurity to prominence in Egypt demonstrates God’s faithfulness to a man of trustable heart. In spite of Joseph’s traumatic and heart-breakingexperience of being sold off by his own brothers, being separated from his beloved father, false accusation from Potiphar’s wife and incarceration in Egypt, he did not harbour bitterness, or nurture evil intent towards his brothers. Joseph believed God sent him ahead to preserve the lives and heritage of God’s chosen people. In essence, Joseph saw the bigger picture of God’s mighty hand orchestrating the course of events in the grand scheme of things. He understood the experience of his life from God’s perspective, and did not repay evil for evil.
When you are disappointed by fellow Christians and close friends, how do you react? Peter betrayed Jesus and Mark forsook Paul at Pamphylia. Peter, however, became the pillar of the church and Mark was later deemed “as one
profitable for the ministry” by Paul (2 Timothy 4:11), and he even wrote Mark’s epistle. Do you understand the bigger picture from God’s perspective or do you nurture animosity and resentment towards others? Do you indulge in faultfinding and mudslinging, and hold on to animosity for years with no expiration date in sight? Remember, you were not born perfect and your heavenly Father forgives you. Arrest negative thoughts and fortify yourself with the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5&6). Seek peace with all men and ‘let brotherly love continue’ (Hebrews 13:1).
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, give me the grace to understand the bigger picture from Your perspective.
2. Lord, help me to let go of offence and readily forgive my brethren.