Today we read Genesis 50. In this chapter we read about the burial of Jacob and the death of Joseph. “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.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 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. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”
Genesis 50:15-21 ESV Things change in families when the parents die. When my parents died, they were well advanced in years. What changed was the cessation of all the care we were providing for them in their final years. They were no longer leading or providing for our family. Their deaths were not tragic but their funerals served a powerful purpose of unifying our family and a beginning of our planning to stay close. This transition is a great time to forgive each other and teach forgiveness to the next generation. May God bless your families to forgive and move forward with His love. Pastor Tim
