The Robes of Forgiveness

Robes of Forgiveness

5 of 6 in a Series on the Life of Joseph.

As presented by Rev. Jonathan Mills, Pastor at Kanata Baptist Church.

2009-02-01

Subject: Introduction to the series in Joseph. His Wardrobe. The symbols and meaning of his clothing, and how it relates to his life and experience. Today we focus on Joseph's reunion with his brothers and the new clothing he gives them. While we might expect this to be an angry reunion, Joseph is emotionally drawn to his brothers despite the harm they caused him. Why? Because God had allowed a miracle of forgiveness in his heart.

Scriptures¹:

Genesis 45:1-28

 1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it.

    3 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.

    4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

    8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and say to him, 'This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don't delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. 11 I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.'

    12 "You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly."

    14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.

    16 When the news reached Pharaoh's palace that Joseph's brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers, 'Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, 18 and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.'

    19 "You are also directed to tell them, 'Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. 20 Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.' "

    21 So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey. 22 To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes. 23 And this is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey. 24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Don't quarrel on the way!"

    25 So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 They told him, "Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt." Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. 27 But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said, "I'm convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."

Introduction

British Museum: Impressive Egypt

A couple of weeks ago, I was in London in the British Museum. It's a beautiful place – full of treasures and artifacts from ancient civilizations.

Anyone who has been there gets a sense of the scale of the museum—high pillars and massive halls fill the visitor with a sense of awe and wonder.

In this kind of environment, it's sometimes hard to imagine what these pieces must have looked like in their original contexts (though the museum tries to help you imagine this through detaild displays).

Ancient Egypt, as we know, was one of the earliest cultures to emerge from pre-history with a written language, a flourishing culture and stone monuments which survive to this day.

If you've never been to the British Museum—it truly is remarkable to stand beneath these great monuments (thinking of the large sculptures of Pharaohs in particular) which have stood for thousands of years bearing mute testimony to the wealth and power of the people who built them.

A) The Balance of Power: Advantage Joseph

Picture the Brothers Entering Egypt! Awe

I try to picture in my mind what it must have been like for the sons of Jacob to leave their flocks in the rolling hills of Palestine and make the long journey to Egypt. Only desperation would have sent them on such a journey because they would have been subject to many kinds of risks along the way, and ultimately been at the mercy of the Egyptian Pharaoh when they arrived at their destination.

While the brothers would have undoubtedly seen cities before, it is unlikely that they had seen anything as dramatic and remarkable as the architecture of the Egyptian cities.

Even though Jacob's family was wealthy by relative standards for Bedouin tribes, the wealth and architecture of Egypt would have taken their breath away.

Now Look Who is In Charge!

Over the past few Sundays we have been following the life of Joseph. And now the story has come full circle: the tables are turned. The young man who was completely at the mercy of his bigger, stronger, older brothers—now sits in a position of power in Pharaoh's court—and his brothers cower before him.

He has the power of life and death in his command ... so ... what should he do?

What temptations could have gone through his head at that moment? Should he arrest them? Should he thrown them in jail to languish there for 13 long years as they had done to him? Should he make them slaves—sold into bondage for what they had done?

We can only imagine what thoughts raced through his mind as he looked down at his brothers.

Joseph is Tender Toward his Brothers (weeping)

One thing is certain: Joseph is not consumed by hatred and a desire for revenge. If that were the case, he could have easily given the thumbs down … and that would have been it for his wicked brothers. Everyone would have understood – and probably told him that he was justified in exacting his revenge.

But that's not what happened.

In fact, the exact opposite thing happens: Joseph needed to duck out of the room a few times—as he is filled with tears at the sight of his brothers (Gen 42:22-24; 43:29-31). He needs to compose himself in order to carry on the charade of power and not tip his hand to the brothers about his true identity.

//

We can speculate about why he carried on the charade—probably it was because he wished to see Benjamin and used the circumstances to convince the brothers to bring him back with them on their second journey.

I think it makes sense that he intended to ensure that Benjamin remained behind by planting the silver cup in his bag. But when Judah explained the toll it would take on their father … and when he offered to give his life in exchange for Benjamin's … well that was too much for Joseph. Overwhelmed with emotion, he could not carry on any longer and he embraced his brothers and told them everything.

B) The Story of Forgiveness

We're Not Very Good at Forgiveness

What I find truly remarkable in this story is the one obvious thing that has happened without any narration in the text. Something dramatic has happened … and there is not a word about it. That something is called: Forgiveness.

Can you imagine? Joseph's brothers planned to kill him—but instead they sold him into slavery. He wound up in prison for 13 years—the prime of his youth squandered in a filthy prison. That is a long time to sit around and think about how you have been abused and mistreated.

So, how could he possibly emerge from this terrible ordeal with such warmth and love toward those who have caused him such suffering?

Once he reveals himself, Joseph said to them;

12 “You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”

14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.

If anyone had a legitimate beef – a justifiable reason for bearing a nasty grudge against his bothers – it's Joseph.

But something had happened in his heart. Somehow, he had managed to forgive them—and the result is that it is a tear-filled, joyful reunion.

Forgiveness is Hard.

One of the hardest things we have to do in the Christian life is come to terms with the reality of forgiveness. Jesus makes it clear that we must forgive others – even those who cause us harm.

/ The story is told of a successful boxer who was converted and he became an evangelistic preacher. One day he was setting up his tent in a small Irish community when a couple of young punks noticed what he was doing and came over to give him a hard time. Knowing nothing of his background, they made a few insulting remarks. The preacher merely turned and looked at them.

The young men weren't used to people standing their ground—usually they could intimidate people very easily. Without any warning, one of the youths tried to sucker-punch the preacher. Instinctively, he dodged to the side so that his fist only managed a glancing blow on one side of the ex-boxer's face. He shook it off and said nothing deciding instead to turn the other cheek. The fellow tried again, with the same effect—another glancing blow on the other side of his face.

At that point the preacher took off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and announced, “The Lord has given me no further instructions,” and he dropped him like a sack of potatoes!²

As tempting as it may be to want to solve our issues in this manner, we all know it's not that simple.

Consquences of NOT Forgiving Others

Most of us are unlikely to get into a fist fight—

but we may be much more likely to find ourselves in a situation where we feel justified in bearing a grudge against someone. We might very well harbor ill will toward someone who has caused us harm, and find ourselves nursing feelings of resentment and bitterness.

When we do not forgive, we find ourselves bearing a terrible burden.

When we are harmed, or find ourselves in some kind of a hurtful confrontation, there is a natural emotional response to the person or situation.

But sometimes we can hold onto that anger—there is a kind of perverse pleasure in nurturing feelings of resentment and hostility. If we continue entertaining such feelings, they will eventually turn to bitterness.

What begins as a response to our circumstances, can become a poison for the inner life. It can lead us to grow cold and petty—and if left unchallenged, it can cripple our spirits and do irreparable harm … to ourselves.

One pastor expressed it this way; “Those whom you don't forgive are holding you as a hostage.”³ --Kent Crockett

We may think that harboring such resentments are satisfying—but ultimately they are self-destructive.

Joseph Forgives

So, what happened? Joseph had a lot of time to feed the resentments of his heart toward his brothers. But, apparently, this did not happen. It seems that Joseph chose a different path.

Instead of dwelling on the harm they had done to him, Joseph was able to see it from an entirely different perspective (vs. 4-5):

“I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”

Somewhere along the way—Joseph had made the conscious choice to forgive his brothers.

Instead of feeding his resentments and feeling sorry for himself, he was somehow able to turn his time in prison to a time of growth; growth in faith, growth in trusting the goodness of God's plan, and growth in being able to completely let go of the past.

And God performed a miracle in Joseph's life.

Forgiveness always begins with a choice. We must choose to forgive. But once the decision is made – God can take our humble step of faith and use it to bring healing and wholeness to a broken heart.

That's the miracle of grace that God performs time after time.

Forgiveness sets us free—and enables us to be made fully alive in God.

C) The God who Forgives

Relationships: We Must Forgive

The importance of forgiveness is found throughout scripture.

Right in the middle of the most significant teaching that we have recorded from the lips of Jesus is the section on relationships—in particular, or relationships with those who have harmed us.

Mt. 5:38-45 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

Then, Jesus goes on to say;

Mt. 6:14-15 For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Chuck Swindoll said; “We are most like beasts when we kill. We are most like men when we judge. We are most like God when we forgive.”⁴

(Please note: if you struggle with forgiveness, there is a listing of resources which you may find helpful in the additional notes section).

Forgiven: In Clean Robes of White

Because Joseph had forgiven his brothers, the reunion is a happy one. It prompts an outpouring of emotion that is quite dramatic; Joseph weeps so loudly, they can hear him all the way over at the Pharaoh's palace!

If you remember the theme of our series—Joseph's Wardrobe—you will see that we clothing appears as a symbol of what is happening in this beautiful encounter between Joseph and his brothers. Once he had disclosed himself to the brothers, Joseph gave them each new clothing.

[Gen 45:22 To each of them he gave new clothing... ]

Out of his heart of love came a shower of gifts; clothing, provisions, bread, grain, and “the best things of Egypt.”

The brothers had done nothing to deserve these things that Joseph gave them—in fact, they probably deserved to suffer for what they had done. But when God heals a heart, He does it completely … bitterness is replaced by grace, kindness and generosity.

Conclusion

Forgiveness is a hard thing.

It is never easy … but Jesus showed us that forgiveness is God's way. He calls us to be a forgiving people, just as he has chosen to forgive us.

While we may struggle with forgiveness, the Scriptures tell us God has already reached out to us with the ultimate gift of forgiveness. Whatever we have done in the past—those words and actions that cause us to feel guilt and shame—whatever we have done that we know was wrong … it can all be forgiven because Jesus offers each one of us the free gift of forgiveness.

He died on the cross to pay the price for all our sins. And because he died, he now offers us complete forgiveness through faith in Him.

The Bible says; 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I don't know what burden of guilt you may be carrying around .. but I know that you can be released from that burden if you will confess your sin to God – ask Jesus Christ to forgive you – and receive the gift of forgiveness he offers.

We're going to sing as we prepare to gather at the Lord's Table for communion. If you have never asked God to forgive you and you feel in your heart that today is the day that you want to do it – you're ready to confess and receive God's forgiveness – then I'm going to invite you to pray with me right now.

Let's all bow our heads; Don't pray it out loud, but in your heart … pray along with me;

I'm sorry, God. I have done some foolish things, some stupid things … some things that are just downright ugly. I've hurt some people very deeply, and I'm sorry.

Dear God, please forgive me.

I confess to you that I am guilty and I deserve to be punished for what I have done … but the Bible says that you have already paid the price for my sin, Jesus, when you died on the cross. I don't know why you would do this for me—but in faith, I accept your forgiveness.

I receive your gift of grace—and I thank you for the life you give me through faith in Jesus Christ.

I want to be a new person. Please walk with me every day, and help me to stop doing the things I know I shouldn't do … and give me strength to do what is right … so that I can please you, and show others your love.

Amen.

If you've prayed that prayer just now; congratulations! You are forgiven. God has wiped away your sin—you are a new creation!

Stop by the welcome table on the way out – we would love to give you a bible.

Now, let us all prepare our hearts for communion-- understanding that Jesus gave his life for us. He has forgiven us, and with gratitude and thanksgiving we approach the table to receive from his provision.

Additional Scripture References:

On Forgiveness:

Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

    6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

    8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the man, 11 "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

Acts 10:39 "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

1 Peter 2: 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." 25 For "you were like sheep going astray," but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Notes and Additional Material:

Human Nature: Sin & Cover Up

Human beings: we know what is right and wrong. And, we don't do it. Why?

Interesting twist in recent years: the growing popularity of atheist writers – even atheist apologists; those who defend that world view publicly.

And one particularly notable trend is the movement to blame religions for the world's troubles. The reasoning goes something like this: Religions—and religious intolerance—are at the root of most of the world's sectarian violence. If everyone would only become enlightened (like me), the world would be a much safer and better place.

Bill Maher's movie, Religulous, makes this point while lampooning the world's 3 monotheistic religions.

While it is true that religious fundamentalism does fuel many of the world's conflicts, this is a simplistic and superficial answer to a much deeper problem.

Why do human beings do bad things to one another?

If the whole world changed tomorrow and everyone became an atheist—all religions disappeared—it would not magically cure the world of competition, hostilities and violence! There would probably be conflicts and wars over competing ideologies of evolutionary theory.

What is behind the world's conflicts? They may be fanned to flame at times by religious intolerance—but they have their root in the fundamental flaw of human nature. People are greedy; people are selfish; people take advantage of others in order to further their own ends. Even without using religious terminology, we only have to look in the mirror to realize that our chief enemy is ourselves. (“I have seen the enemy and it is us.”)

I have trouble reconciling these two things: I know the difference between right and wrong. And even when I am deeply committed to the right, still there are times when I do things that are wrong.

What is it about human nature that causes this internal inconsistency?

//

One of the most significant realities of the Bible—and of the Christian life—is that we do not gloss over this human predisposition to … whatever you call it; foolishness, disintegrity, deception or outright evil. [M. Scott Peck was a Psychologist who wrote a book about the reality of human evil entitled “People of the Lie.” He admits that this would not help his career as his profession does not allow for the possibility of evil—yet, he believes he has seen it in his practice over the years. It is a fascinating book].

I would suggest that this one of the great downfalls of atheism. It is based on an optimistic view of human beings which presumes that we are able to achieve great good and ultimately good will defeat evil. Yet, the question is never answered “why do people continue to do evil?” Or, to use a non-religious term, why do people do bad things—why do they harm each other.

Evolutionary theory would actually say that this is part of the natural world's mechanism to see the survival of the fittest. Deep down inside us, however, we know it is wrong. We are deeply committed to preserving peace, justice and goodness in our world. None of these are concepts which have any place in an atheistic world view, yet, they are everyone's concern. Why?

All of these concepts emerge from religious convictions that there is a greater sense of order and justice – and these emerge from the one who is Justice and Peace and essential Goodness. The bible begins by saying that God brought order out of chaos. We continue to believe, and hold to the conviction that the natural universe goes from order toward chaos—that social structures break down—that human nature leads us to embrace all kinds of unhealthy behaviours and activities. But God brings us together, heals the deepest wounds of the heart, and leads us to wholeness.

Accepting our limitations and faults—and seeing the gift of God's love and forgiveness—is the starting point.

When it is Hard to Forgive

Often times we know we need forgiveness, but our pride and stubbornness prevent us from seeking it.

Then, on those occasions when we are determined to seek forgiveness, we balk at having to bare our soul in the humiliation of confession and repentance.

Then … on those rare occasions when we carry through all of these things, we then find ourselves at the mercy of the one who has the power to forgive … or not. And if we have made the extraordinary steps to humble ourselves in confession and repentance – and the one who can forgive us does not do so – then it becomes more and more difficult to go through the process again.

Some people never do. It's too painful. They feel too exposed.

Resources for Those who Struggle to Forgive

If you have a difficult relationship in your life—perhaps a parent or a sibling—someone you struggle to forgive, then here are a few books and resources you may find helpful. (church library call numbers are in brackets)

Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. Boundaries. (248.4 CLO) This is the classic volume for anyone who wants to forgive others, but does not want to become a door mat and allow a hurtful or abusive relationship to control your life. Sound principles for creating and maintaining healthy boundaries are discussed. Also available with a workbook. Highly recommended.

Yancey, Philip. What's So Amazing About Grace? (234.21 YAN) A book about learning to understand and live a grace filled life. This book tackles some very tough issues such as forgiveness—along with others that touch at the heart of living a life to please God. (this is also available as a teaching resource for small groups)

Robert McGee. The Search for Significance. (248.4 MCG)Many people have grown up with pervasive views of themselves and others which are based on distortions. This leads to heartache, problems and many relationship problems. This book helps you to unpack your view of other people, and your view of yourself, and lead you to a better image of self based on seeing yourself through God's eyes.

Max Lucado. Cure for the Common Life. (248.4 LUC)A practical guide to gaining perspective on life and putting things in order.

Other books which may be helpful.

Andy Stanley. It Came From Within. (248.4 STA)

Larry Crabb. Inside Out. Shattered Dreams. The Pressure's Off.

An Extraordinary Story of Forgiveness

Chris Carrier of Coral Gables, Florida, was abducted when he was 10 years old. His kidnapper, angry with the boy's family, burned him with cigarettes, stabbed him numerous times with an ice pick, then shot him in the head and left him to die in the Everglades. Remarkably, the boy survived, though he lost sight in one eye. No one was ever arrested.

Recently, a man confessed to the crime. Carrier, now a youth minister, went to see him.

He found David McAllister, a 77-year-old ex-convict, frail and blind, living in a North Miami Beach nursing home. Carrier began visiting often, reading to McAllister from the Bible and praying with him. His ministry opened the door for McAllister to make a profession of faith.

No arrest is forthcoming; after twenty-two years, the statute of limitations on the crime is long past. Carrier says, “While many people can't understand how I could forgive David McAllister, from my point of view I couldn't not forgive him. If I'd chosen to hate him all these years, or spent my life looking for revenge, then I wouldn't be the man I am today, the man my wife and children love, the man God has helped me to be.”⁵