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Bookends of Mercy

Genesis 42:27-43:34

August 11, 2019 • Jeff Noble

As our story from Genesis 42 continues, Joseph's brothers are once again faced with a great challenge. On orders from Joseph, they must return to Egypt with their youngest brother, but fearing that he will lose yet another son, their father Jacob objects.

In this sermon, Jeff Noble focuses on the crippling attributes of fear clearly revealed in the life of Jacob and his sons. But as he reminds listeners, moving forward in godly faith always limits the hold of fear and guilt over our lives.

Forgiveness is Final

September 15, 2019 • Jeff Noble

Joseph becomes overwhelmed with sadness following the realization that his brothers have not been enjoying their relationship with him due to the fact that they did not truly believe they were forgiven. He then reassures them that despite the circumstances he faced in regards to his brothers, God transformed it for his good. He later passes away and asks his brothers to take his bones to the promised land. Joseph's weeping mirrors the time when Jesus wept. We are reminded in Genesis 50 that Jesus died on the cross once to wipe away our sins forever. We are reminded of how much of a blessing God's commitment to forget is.

Future Grace

September 8, 2019 • Jeff Noble

Jacob addresses his sons in birth order and blesses them appropriately. When he gets to Joseph, he bestows a blessing that would continue onward to his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob also acknowledges Joseph's unwavering allegiance to the Lord. In the midst of this, Jacob pauses to recognize his own need for God and declares an announcement of faith saying, "God I wait for your salvation."

Surprising Blessing

September 1, 2019 • Jeff Noble

As Jacob's life comes to an end, he reminds Joseph of God's promise to Abraham. He then blesses Joseph by including his sons in his birthright. These blessings demonstrate Jacob's faith rooted in the trust of God's promises