Scars of the Past
Joseph made a hasty exit because he was overcome with emotion for his brother and wanted to cry. Going into his private room, he wept there. Genesis 43:30
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It has been said that the most painful cuts of all are those inflicted by others. Surely Joseph’s life exemplified that truth. The sight of Benjamin, after Joseph’s long separation from his family, was a raw reminder of his other brothers’ cruel deception. Though God had granted Joseph favor during the dark days of his slavery and unjust imprisonment, the young boy standing in front of him represented undeniable proof of what Joseph had lost—not only a brother but a beloved father and a homeland. Surely Joseph was tempted to repay his brothers for their evil deeds. Instead, he invited them into his home to feed them. He devised a plan that would reconcile himself to his family. He could have punished his brothers a thousand times over for their actions. Instead, he chose to extend forgiveness.
When others affect the course of your life, you face a moment of decision. Though you cannot change the past, you can affect the future by your response to the wrong you suffered at their hands. You can feed the fire of bitterness, or you can hold your scars before God and ask for grace to forgive others for what they have done in the past.
Prayers:
LORD, I do not deny the pain that I have experienced, but by your grace I give you those painful wounds, no matter how deep they are. I realize that I am powerless to fix the past or to change others, but I also understand that your love can heal me. I give you my scars, O God, and I thank you for the peace and mercy and joy that will flourish within me in the absence of bitterness.
Quotes:
The voice of sin is loud, but the voice of forgiveness is louder.
D. L. Moody (1837–1899)
The One Year Bible readings for today are: Genesis 42:18–43:34; Matthew 13:47–14:12; Psalm 18:16-36 and Proverbs 4:7-10.
