A message from Pastor Berndt
When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” (Genesis 50)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Payback. It is coming — punishment for all the evil that we have done. Joseph’s bothers had it coming — after all the hurt they dished out, now the consequences of sin is coming back.
Joseph was faithful to God’s Word. Joseph’s brothers were jealous — they hated their brother. After all he is Daddy’s favorite. Take that coat from his shoulders, dip it in blood, throw him in a pit, leave him for dead — better yet let’s sell him into slavery to the Ishmaelites.
Dark days for Joseph — separated from his father and now living in a strange land down in Egypt. But the Lord was with Joseph — through all that he faced in his life — for the Lord keeps His Promise. Joseph continued to be faithful to the Word of the Lord. Speaking God’s Word to his bothers, to Pharaoh, and to Potiphar’s wife. Joseph confessing God’s Word brought suffering into his life.
But now that Jacob is dead — “payback” day has come. Yet Joseph does not give “payback” — no revenge for all the evil done to him. Not retribution —but instead Joseph forgives.
What about you? How have you treated God? Have you run after other gods, spoken the Lord’s name in vain, despised preaching and His Word, dishonored your Father and Mother, harmed your brothers and sisters, sinned sexually, stolen, slandered others, lied, and coveted? For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3)
We are sinners who have sinned before the Lord. Maybe you think “payback” time has come. God is waiting to bring retribution against all the sins you have committed. NO! Instead the Lord is merciful. God does NOT give you “payback” but He gives you His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment due you.
Do not fear…As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50)
Good Friday — Jesus on the Cross for all our sins. Men meant it for evil — to get rid of Jesus — but God used it for good — Jesus on the Tree for your salvation. Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death. (Acts 2)
Because of Jesus’ Good Friday work — forgiveness reigns through Christ alone. So what to do with your sins? Repent — repent of your sin — God, who is rich in mercy, forgives your sins for Christ sake.
What to do with those who sin against you? Forgive them. The Lord teaches us in the Lord’s Prayer. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us… (Meaning: So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.)
Your sins are forgiven through Jesus’ blood. Forgiveness reigns in Christ alone. In the Name + of Jesus.
Amen.
"As Surely as I Live," God Said LSB 614:1
“As surely as I live,” God said, “I would not see the sinner dead.
I want him turned from error’s ways, Repentant, living endless days.”