Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
Jesus had a lot to say. His teachings guide his followers 2000 years later. And yet there are many misconceptions about his teachings. Jesus never said a word about gambling, the consumption of alcohol, dancing, homosexuality or abortion. Jesus did talk about money, the Kingdom of God, love of neighbor, and forgiveness. It should be noted too, that Jesus had no time for judgmental, self-righteous, religious people.
“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.” The words of Jesus. Matthew 7:1
The Old Testament story of Joseph and his brothers rings true 2700 years later. It speaks of dysfunctional families, betrayal, palace intrigue and forgiveness. A quick review:
Joseph was the 11th son of Jacob–Joseph had one full brother and 10 half-brothers.
The brothers hated Joseph—he wore a flamboyant coat—he was his father’s favorite—and they were tired of his prophetic dreams.
So, they decided to kill him—they attacked him, tore off his coat and threw him in an empty dry well.
He would be dead soon—but there was no profit in that—so when slave traders came by, they sold their brother into bondage.
They put goat blood on his amazing technicolor dream coat and told the old man Jacob that a wild animal had killed him.
Joseph ultimately became a high official in the Egyptian empire. In the midst of a famine the brothers came begging for food and Joseph, because of his great love for his father Jacob, took no revenge. Revenge could wait until Jacob died.
Well, Jacob did die–the plot thickens—let’s see what happens.
“Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, ‘What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?’ So they approached Joseph, saying, ‘Your father gave this instruction before he died, “Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.” Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.’ Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, ‘We are here as your slaves.’ But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.’ In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.” Genesis 50:15-21
Joseph did not take revenge. He would live and die in relationship with his brothers.
“Am I in the place of God?” It was a rhetorical question. Joseph was among the most powerful men in the world, but he was not in the place of God. “Am I in the place of God?” It is a great question to consider the next time you find yourself tempted to judge someone else. It is not our place to judge the journey of another human. We are not God. We do not know what trials and tribulations that are being faced by the one that we are quick to judge. We do not know of their pain, their childhood, or the brokenness and betrayal that they have experienced.
Also take care of the man or woman in the mirror. Be compassionate and forgiving to yourself. Cut yourself a break for being human like the rest of us. “Am I in the place of God?” Just learn to love and leave the rest to God. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 103:8
Sing, dance, toast the blessings of this world, but don’t be a grumpy, self-righteous, religious person.
One beggar, telling another beggar where to find bread, I am your,
Pastor Jim
