February 4, 2024 • Dustin Leed
In the 5th and final part of our series, Joseph, Pastor Matt explores the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness is a decision and can happen without reconciling the relationship. Reconciliation is a process of rebuilding trust and you cannot reconcile a relationship without forgiveness. When we understand how Joseph forgave his brothers for their wrongs toward him and reconciled the relationship by rebuilding trust, it will help us understand how God forgives us for our wrongs through Jesus, and reconciles our relationship by rebuilding trust. Forgiveness is a gift. Have you received this gift? Confession takes courage. Is there anything hidden in your life? Repentance is shown. Are there any selfish behaviors that need to change? Reconciliation is restoration. Are you resting in a restored relationship with Jesus?
C.S. Lewis said "True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less." This week we saw how, like Jesus, Joseph honored God by walking in humility. In God's timing, he elevated Joseph to a place of honor and authority. Reading Genesis 41, we see how Joseph remained dependent on God, giving him all the glory for interpreting dreams despite his own dreams from years prior still not coming to pass. In God's timing, Joseph was promoted to second in command of all of Egypt. God tests our humility and character right where we are, so we are ready when he promotes us to where he wants us to be. In part four of our series on Joseph, Pastor Don gives us five ways we can all grow in humility.
Have you ever been in a season of waiting that felt like a prison? What does it mean to wait patiently? In Genesis 40, we read about Joseph's time in prison and how he stayed ready for the fulfillment of his dream. We also learn how, like Jesus, Joseph honored God by serving others while waiting for his purpose to be fulfilled. In this message, Pastor Matt shares how waiting is not wasted when we trust God's timing and focus on what we can learn and who we can serve.
