“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” 16 So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, 17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:15-20 NKJV
Father,
Even though Joseph had told his brothers they were forgiven and had brought them to Egypt providing them with a place to live and work, they doubted. Thy were still carrying the guilt and fear or his non existing retribution. They thought he had died in the wilderness where they left him all those years ago and now he was an important powerful leader with there future in his hands. He gave them assurance again.
Thankyou. That we have Jesus, closer than a brother and who is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. You provide for us now and we have the promise of a future with You in eternity. Your Holy Spirit brings us that assurance that Jesus paid the price so we could be forgiven.
Blessed assurance. Keep on reminding us on the days we need encouragement. For those of us who need it, like Josephs brothers, forgive our niggling doubts and insecurity and grant us faith.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 19th January 2025
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
Perfect submission, perfect delight
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Lyrics: Fanny Crosby