With the balance now reckoned, one would expect that this would be sufficient and beyond all grateful measure, but God’s mercies are never ceasing and His “love is more delightful than wine.” (Song of Solomon 1:2). Through the resurrecting Jesus, we were built anew with a new heart beating passionately with His love, separated from the world and declared holy (Galatians 2:20). Our better Joseph, Jesus, has set us free from a conscience corrupted by guilt and a yoke of bondage (Hebrews 10:22; Galatians 5:1), declared us righteous and walking in the favor of God (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7) and lifted us forever from the kingdom of Satan into God’s eternal kingdom (Colossians 2:15).
“Now therefore, do not be afraid. I will provide for and support you and your little ones. And he comforted them [imparting cheer, hope, strength] and spoke to their hearts [kindly].” Genesis 50:21 AMPC
“What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!
I have peace complete with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!”
“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” Genesis 50:15
Even though Joseph’s brothers had been assured of love and forgiveness, they entertained anxious thoughts after the death of their father that Joseph would change his mind and character and punish them for their past wrongdoing.
Perhaps you have also experienced a heavy distant heart, a remembrance of and condemnation because of past sin, triggered by an event or when tempted, sick or fatigued. This is the time to do battle with fearful unbelief, the deceptions of the evil one and desires of the flesh!
‘Come near and as you are’ and spend time at the cross, allowing Jesus’ accomplishments as your substitute wash through your heart and His love lighten your heart with joy. Ponder with each of your senses Christ’s bleeding wounds, stroke His dear face and look into His loving eyes, touch His scarred hands and feet, put your hand into His side like Thomas, and imagine the water and the blood flowing from His pierced side. We are indeed tasting and seeing that the Lord has been so very good to us (Psalm 34:8).
Upon awakening in the morning and before one’s feet have touched the ground, we do well to preach the good and faith building news to our hearts that:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Question 1: What does it mean to you personally that Jesus became a slave so a slave could be set free from sin?
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Question 2: In the story of Joseph and his brothers, there are many glimpses of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Which aspects affected your heart today?
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We are cleansed of fearful sin by the powerful blood of Jesus.