WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:13.040 Then Joseph could not control himself. 00:00:13.380 --> 00:00:15.359 Before all those who stood by him, he cried, 00:00:15.660 --> 00:00:17.000 Make everyone go out for me. 00:00:18.059 --> 00:00:21.660 So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers, 00:00:21.760 --> 00:00:25.820 and he wept aloud so that the Egyptians heard it 00:00:25.820 --> 00:00:27.280 and the household of Pharaoh heard it. 00:00:27.280 --> 00:00:30.380 And Joseph said to his brothers, I am Joseph. 00:00:31.460 --> 00:00:33.179 Is my father still alive? 00:00:34.439 --> 00:00:38.420 But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 00:00:38.539 --> 00:00:41.280 So Joseph said to his brothers, Come near to me, please. 00:00:42.000 --> 00:00:42.900 And they came near. 00:00:43.840 --> 00:00:49.359 And he said, I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 00:00:49.600 --> 00:00:53.760 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, 00:00:53.760 --> 00:00:56.859 for God sent me before you to preserve life. 00:00:57.939 --> 00:01:00.120 For the famine has been in the land these two years, 00:01:00.200 --> 00:01:03.579 and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 00:01:03.920 --> 00:01:08.120 And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth 00:01:08.120 --> 00:01:10.579 and to keep alive for you many survivors. 00:01:10.719 --> 00:01:13.900 So it was not you who sent me here, but God. 00:01:14.659 --> 00:01:18.439 He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his house 00:01:18.439 --> 00:01:20.180 and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 00:01:20.180 --> 00:01:21.020 And he said, Hurry! 00:01:21.020 --> 00:01:24.560 And go up to my father and say to him, Thus says your son Joseph, 00:01:24.560 --> 00:01:26.780 God has made me lord over all Egypt. 00:01:27.140 --> 00:01:28.060 Come down to me. 00:01:28.900 --> 00:01:29.660 Do not tarry. 00:01:30.700 --> 00:01:33.320 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen and you shall be near me. 00:01:34.020 --> 00:01:36.940 You and your children and your children's children and your flocks, 00:01:37.020 --> 00:01:40.120 your herds and all that you have there I will provide for you. 00:01:40.920 --> 00:01:43.360 For there are yet five years of famine to come. 00:01:44.020 --> 00:01:47.180 So that you and your household and all that you have do not come to poverty. 00:01:47.180 --> 00:01:53.000 And now your eyes see and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 00:01:53.740 --> 00:01:57.720 You must tell my father of all my honor in Egypt and of all that you have seen. 00:01:57.860 --> 00:02:00.460 Hurry and bring my father down here. 00:02:01.640 --> 00:02:04.860 Then he fell on his brother Benjamin's neck and wept. 00:02:06.240 --> 00:02:08.080 And Benjamin wept upon his neck. 00:02:08.719 --> 00:02:10.760 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them. 00:02:10.819 --> 00:02:12.939 After that, his brothers talked with him. 00:02:12.939 --> 00:02:17.319 When the report was heard in Pharaoh's house, Joseph's brothers had come. 00:02:18.020 --> 00:02:19.599 It pleased Pharaoh and his servants. 00:02:20.780 --> 00:02:23.300 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, say to your brothers, do this. 00:02:23.939 --> 00:02:26.139 Load your beasts and go back to the land of Canaan. 00:02:26.659 --> 00:02:28.879 And take your father and your households and come to me. 00:02:29.740 --> 00:02:33.099 And I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you shall eat the fat of the land. 00:02:33.520 --> 00:02:35.659 And you, Joseph, are commanded to say, do this. 00:02:35.740 --> 00:02:39.319 Take wagons from the land of Egypt for your little ones and for your wives. 00:02:39.759 --> 00:02:40.979 And bring your father and come. 00:02:40.979 --> 00:02:45.099 Have no concern for your goods for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours. 00:02:45.899 --> 00:02:47.199 The sons of Israel did so. 00:02:48.019 --> 00:02:52.500 And Joseph gave them wagons according to the command of Pharaoh and gave them provisions for the journey. 00:02:52.620 --> 00:02:54.799 To each and all of them he gave a change of clothes. 00:02:55.179 --> 00:02:59.000 But to Benjamin he gave 300 shekels of silver and five changes of clothes. 00:02:59.679 --> 00:03:03.459 To his father he sent as follows ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt. 00:03:04.060 --> 00:03:08.359 And ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and provision for his father on the journey. 00:03:08.859 --> 00:03:10.079 Then he sent his brothers away. 00:03:11.000 --> 00:03:14.920 And as they departed he said to them, don't quarrel on the way. 00:03:16.380 --> 00:03:20.439 So they went up out of Egypt and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob. 00:03:20.520 --> 00:03:22.540 And they told him, Joseph is still alive. 00:03:23.080 --> 00:03:25.920 And he is ruler over all the land of Egypt. 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:27.180 And his heart became numb. 00:03:27.960 --> 00:03:29.160 For he did not believe them. 00:03:29.159 --> 00:03:32.879 But when they told him all the words of Joseph which he had said to them. 00:03:32.939 --> 00:03:36.500 And when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him. 00:03:37.240 --> 00:03:39.019 The spirit of their father revived. 00:03:39.939 --> 00:03:41.359 And Israel said, it is enough. 00:03:42.359 --> 00:03:44.039 Joseph my son is still alive. 00:03:44.699 --> 00:03:47.400 I will go and see him before I die. 00:03:47.400 --> 00:03:52.200 Well this morning we come to the climax of the story of Joseph. 00:03:52.319 --> 00:03:57.520 Where the family that was once torn apart by envy, favoritism, and hatred. 00:03:58.319 --> 00:04:01.420 Is brought back together and reconciled. 00:04:02.259 --> 00:04:04.599 It's one of the most moving chapters in the book of Genesis. 00:04:04.740 --> 00:04:09.180 Because it shows us a picture of something that as human beings we long for. 00:04:09.180 --> 00:04:10.180 We long for. 00:04:10.180 --> 00:04:10.340 Often. 00:04:11.099 --> 00:04:12.180 But experience. 00:04:12.780 --> 00:04:13.240 Rarely. 00:04:14.240 --> 00:04:15.939 According to Genesis chapter 3. 00:04:16.680 --> 00:04:18.000 At least three things happened. 00:04:18.620 --> 00:04:20.379 When Adam and Eve turned away from God. 00:04:21.660 --> 00:04:23.079 First they tried to hide. 00:04:24.060 --> 00:04:25.480 From God and from each other. 00:04:26.620 --> 00:04:28.019 Second they became fearful. 00:04:28.720 --> 00:04:30.079 Because they knew they were guilty. 00:04:31.280 --> 00:04:32.560 And third they became hostile. 00:04:33.399 --> 00:04:34.759 They started blaming each other. 00:04:35.699 --> 00:04:36.879 And much of human history. 00:04:36.879 --> 00:04:38.680 And much of our personal experience. 00:04:39.180 --> 00:04:41.540 Is characterized by these three dynamics. 00:04:41.699 --> 00:04:42.100 Hiding. 00:04:42.959 --> 00:04:43.319 Fear. 00:04:44.120 --> 00:04:44.840 And hostility. 00:04:47.000 --> 00:04:49.019 Maybe you thought that you were close to a friend. 00:04:50.100 --> 00:04:51.400 But recently you've learned that. 00:04:51.740 --> 00:04:53.100 They've actually been hiding. 00:04:53.740 --> 00:04:55.240 A large chunk of their life from you. 00:04:55.340 --> 00:04:56.079 For many years. 00:04:57.120 --> 00:04:58.000 Or maybe you're. 00:04:58.680 --> 00:05:01.439 Frustrated by how superficial relationships seem to be. 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:02.699 Among your work colleagues. 00:05:03.100 --> 00:05:04.040 Or fellow students. 00:05:04.899 --> 00:05:06.259 People may spend hours. 00:05:06.879 --> 00:05:07.899 And years together. 00:05:07.899 --> 00:05:11.219 But conversation rarely goes below the surface. 00:05:12.219 --> 00:05:13.359 Or maybe you're married. 00:05:14.500 --> 00:05:17.699 And though you may experience seasons of deep intimacy and closeness. 00:05:17.699 --> 00:05:18.699 The day-to-day reality. 00:05:20.120 --> 00:05:21.679 Involves an ongoing struggle. 00:05:22.459 --> 00:05:24.099 To know and be known. 00:05:24.919 --> 00:05:26.399 To forgive and be forgiven. 00:05:27.139 --> 00:05:29.679 To move beyond fear and distance. 00:05:30.060 --> 00:05:31.859 To closeness and intimacy. 00:05:32.399 --> 00:05:32.979 And trust. 00:05:32.980 --> 00:05:35.900 Or maybe you're involved in seeking reconciliation. 00:05:36.300 --> 00:05:37.600 On a broader scale. 00:05:38.540 --> 00:05:40.379 Between racial groups. 00:05:40.860 --> 00:05:41.879 Or between nations. 00:05:42.680 --> 00:05:43.379 Maybe you pray. 00:05:43.700 --> 00:05:47.140 And work for the reunification of North and South Korea. 00:05:47.939 --> 00:05:49.740 Or for peace and justice. 00:05:50.460 --> 00:05:51.060 In Israel. 00:05:51.439 --> 00:05:52.000 And in Gaza. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:54.939 Or for Martin Luther King's dream. 00:05:54.939 --> 00:05:56.160 Of a beloved community. 00:05:56.160 --> 00:05:58.180 To be realized here in the U.S. 00:05:58.959 --> 00:06:01.500 But as you seek to build bridges between people. 00:06:01.620 --> 00:06:04.399 You also see how deep the hostilities run. 00:06:05.560 --> 00:06:07.160 As Nelson Mandela said. 00:06:07.579 --> 00:06:10.040 There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere. 00:06:10.040 --> 00:06:13.420 I have discovered that after climbing a great hill. 00:06:13.580 --> 00:06:16.319 One only finds that there are many more hills to climb. 00:06:17.400 --> 00:06:19.280 The passage that we're looking at this morning. 00:06:20.060 --> 00:06:21.420 Gives us a compelling picture. 00:06:21.900 --> 00:06:24.000 Of what reconciliation is. 00:06:24.740 --> 00:06:26.660 And how we can experience it. 00:06:27.080 --> 00:06:27.920 And extend it. 00:06:28.820 --> 00:06:31.020 We'll see three aspects of reconciliation. 00:06:32.020 --> 00:06:33.259 In our passage this morning. 00:06:34.340 --> 00:06:35.480 The first aspect. 00:06:36.100 --> 00:06:36.700 Is that hiding. 00:06:37.660 --> 00:06:39.600 Is replaced with vulnerability. 00:06:40.040 --> 00:06:41.840 This is verses 1 through 4. 00:06:42.780 --> 00:06:43.480 In other words. 00:06:43.560 --> 00:06:44.700 The masks come off. 00:06:45.280 --> 00:06:47.260 And the truth comes out. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:49.620 Until this moment in the story. 00:06:49.720 --> 00:06:51.420 Joseph deliberately hid. 00:06:51.560 --> 00:06:53.080 His identity from his brothers. 00:06:53.480 --> 00:06:54.720 The minute they showed up. 00:06:54.800 --> 00:06:56.400 At the beginning of chapter 42. 00:06:56.820 --> 00:06:58.640 He knew exactly who they were. 00:06:59.040 --> 00:07:01.000 But they had no idea who he was. 00:07:01.540 --> 00:07:03.700 And he was very careful to keep it that way. 00:07:04.220 --> 00:07:05.360 For the last three chapters. 00:07:06.420 --> 00:07:07.580 He hid behind the mask. 00:07:07.620 --> 00:07:10.000 Of a rude Egyptian government official. 00:07:10.040 --> 00:07:13.300 Speaking to them through a translator. 00:07:14.740 --> 00:07:16.980 Interrogating them as if they were foreign spies. 00:07:17.500 --> 00:07:19.819 Keeping them all in custody for three days. 00:07:19.939 --> 00:07:22.600 Keeping one of them in custody while he sent the others home. 00:07:23.120 --> 00:07:25.180 Planting a cup in his younger brother's backpack. 00:07:25.439 --> 00:07:26.620 Forcing them into a corner. 00:07:28.320 --> 00:07:29.660 Of course at times he relented. 00:07:30.660 --> 00:07:32.460 And showed them unexpected kindness. 00:07:33.580 --> 00:07:34.600 He returned their money. 00:07:35.460 --> 00:07:36.439 But he did so secretly. 00:07:37.379 --> 00:07:39.879 He prepared a great feast for them in his own house. 00:07:40.540 --> 00:07:41.680 But he ate separately. 00:07:42.700 --> 00:07:44.180 Even in his kindest moments. 00:07:44.280 --> 00:07:46.800 He maintained a professional distance. 00:07:47.640 --> 00:07:49.860 In particular he maintained an emotional distance. 00:07:49.860 --> 00:07:53.319 Twice in chapter 42 and 43. 00:07:53.319 --> 00:07:55.160 Joseph was deeply moved. 00:07:55.920 --> 00:07:57.500 By affection for his brothers. 00:07:59.120 --> 00:07:59.860 Chapter 42. 00:07:59.960 --> 00:08:01.319 He overheard them talking about. 00:08:02.080 --> 00:08:03.139 How they regretted. 00:08:04.080 --> 00:08:06.600 And how wrong they were to sell him into slavery. 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:08.160 And so he turned away from them. 00:08:08.240 --> 00:08:08.980 And wept. 00:08:10.020 --> 00:08:11.139 But then he came back to them. 00:08:11.680 --> 00:08:12.379 And kept talking. 00:08:12.379 --> 00:08:15.459 And chapter 43. 00:08:15.699 --> 00:08:17.000 He saw his brother Benjamin. 00:08:17.079 --> 00:08:19.060 Who he hadn't seen in 20 years. 00:08:19.439 --> 00:08:20.719 The only one of the brothers. 00:08:20.819 --> 00:08:21.959 Who hadn't been complicit. 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:23.500 In selling him into slavery. 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:26.159 So he hurried out. 00:08:26.579 --> 00:08:27.420 And he went to his room. 00:08:27.459 --> 00:08:27.980 And he wept. 00:08:28.420 --> 00:08:29.480 And then he washed his face. 00:08:29.719 --> 00:08:30.480 Composed himself. 00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:31.639 And came back out. 00:08:31.800 --> 00:08:32.820 And put on his face again. 00:08:34.779 --> 00:08:36.179 But here in chapter 45. 00:08:36.799 --> 00:08:38.379 All the masks come off. 00:08:38.840 --> 00:08:40.059 The professional distance. 00:08:40.179 --> 00:08:41.139 The emotional distance. 00:08:41.139 --> 00:08:42.980 The pretense of a language barrier. 00:08:43.399 --> 00:08:44.740 The manipulative accusations. 00:08:45.379 --> 00:08:47.100 He spoke directly to them. 00:08:47.899 --> 00:08:50.779 In the language they had spoken in their house growing up. 00:08:51.799 --> 00:08:53.279 I am Joseph. 00:08:54.319 --> 00:08:56.480 Is my father still alive? 00:08:57.740 --> 00:08:58.919 Previously he had asked. 00:08:59.120 --> 00:09:01.100 Is your father still alive? 00:09:02.240 --> 00:09:03.439 Now he says your father. 00:09:03.919 --> 00:09:05.000 Is my father. 00:09:05.740 --> 00:09:06.500 We are brothers. 00:09:07.059 --> 00:09:07.799 I'm your brother. 00:09:08.179 --> 00:09:08.519 Joseph. 00:09:08.519 --> 00:09:08.759 Joseph. 00:09:10.279 --> 00:09:11.379 And along with. 00:09:13.259 --> 00:09:14.559 Disclosing his true identity. 00:09:14.559 --> 00:09:16.019 He let go. 00:09:16.500 --> 00:09:17.079 He released. 00:09:17.220 --> 00:09:18.199 The flood of emotions. 00:09:18.199 --> 00:09:19.659 That he had held back for so long. 00:09:19.720 --> 00:09:20.899 He couldn't control himself. 00:09:21.659 --> 00:09:22.340 He cried. 00:09:22.419 --> 00:09:23.480 Make everyone go out. 00:09:23.779 --> 00:09:24.799 And he wept aloud. 00:09:26.360 --> 00:09:28.079 And all the Egyptians heard him. 00:09:29.279 --> 00:09:30.159 Now it's true. 00:09:30.559 --> 00:09:32.220 They didn't have soundproofing back then. 00:09:32.220 --> 00:09:34.960 But for Pharaoh's household. 00:09:35.480 --> 00:09:37.160 Who weren't even in the house. 00:09:37.259 --> 00:09:38.120 To take notice. 00:09:38.899 --> 00:09:42.500 He wasn't just quietly shedding a couple of tears. 00:09:43.360 --> 00:09:45.100 For 20 seconds. 00:09:45.960 --> 00:09:47.180 And then regaining his composure. 00:09:47.300 --> 00:09:48.160 He was bawling. 00:09:48.639 --> 00:09:49.680 He had lost it. 00:09:50.060 --> 00:09:51.300 He had let his guard down. 00:09:51.379 --> 00:09:53.440 And he didn't really care who heard. 00:09:53.440 --> 00:09:57.060 You see genuine reconciliation. 00:09:58.200 --> 00:10:00.140 Of previously broken relationships. 00:10:00.460 --> 00:10:03.100 Is rarely a neat and tidy process. 00:10:04.140 --> 00:10:05.400 Moving from hiding. 00:10:06.120 --> 00:10:06.760 Pretending. 00:10:07.620 --> 00:10:08.340 Coldness. 00:10:08.980 --> 00:10:10.000 To vulnerability. 00:10:11.560 --> 00:10:12.320 And sincerity. 00:10:13.360 --> 00:10:14.480 And self-disclosure. 00:10:15.180 --> 00:10:17.260 Often releases a floodgate of emotions. 00:10:17.400 --> 00:10:18.780 And sometimes makes a scene. 00:10:19.200 --> 00:10:21.080 That makes other people wonder. 00:10:21.080 --> 00:10:22.600 What's going on? 00:10:23.940 --> 00:10:24.520 But you know. 00:10:24.620 --> 00:10:25.680 If we as a church. 00:10:26.600 --> 00:10:27.980 The Apostle Paul says. 00:10:28.140 --> 00:10:28.700 We as a church. 00:10:28.800 --> 00:10:30.400 Are called to the ministry. 00:10:30.400 --> 00:10:31.660 Of reconciliation. 00:10:33.100 --> 00:10:35.660 Of proclaiming a message of reconciliation. 00:10:35.660 --> 00:10:36.660 With God. 00:10:36.780 --> 00:10:37.780 And with one another. 00:10:37.920 --> 00:10:39.020 Through Jesus Christ. 00:10:39.580 --> 00:10:41.160 And if we're committed to that ministry. 00:10:41.860 --> 00:10:42.940 It's appropriate. 00:10:43.640 --> 00:10:45.200 For us to be deeply moved. 00:10:45.580 --> 00:10:46.600 In our affections. 00:10:47.120 --> 00:10:48.120 To weep. 00:10:48.980 --> 00:10:50.780 As we confess our sin against God. 00:10:51.520 --> 00:10:53.120 Or our apathy. 00:10:53.440 --> 00:10:54.360 Toward one another. 00:10:55.480 --> 00:10:56.820 To lay hands on each other. 00:10:56.820 --> 00:10:57.860 And pray for each other. 00:10:57.980 --> 00:10:59.420 And stand beside each other. 00:10:59.480 --> 00:11:00.340 When we face sickness. 00:11:00.340 --> 00:11:01.020 And death. 00:11:01.100 --> 00:11:01.600 And hardship. 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:04.720 Or to joyfully embrace. 00:11:04.800 --> 00:11:06.380 Long lost brothers and sisters. 00:11:06.700 --> 00:11:08.080 When they come home to God. 00:11:08.820 --> 00:11:10.320 Through faith in Jesus Christ. 00:11:12.320 --> 00:11:12.900 You know. 00:11:12.980 --> 00:11:13.200 Yes. 00:11:13.260 --> 00:11:13.900 It's possible. 00:11:14.900 --> 00:11:16.120 It's possible to have a church. 00:11:16.120 --> 00:11:17.580 That's full of emotions. 00:11:18.379 --> 00:11:19.659 And empty of knowledge. 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:22.740 But I wonder if our temptation. 00:11:23.940 --> 00:11:25.679 Is more to be full of knowledge. 00:11:26.779 --> 00:11:28.060 And holding back. 00:11:28.379 --> 00:11:29.460 In our affections. 00:11:30.340 --> 00:11:30.560 You know. 00:11:30.600 --> 00:11:31.179 Every so often. 00:11:31.259 --> 00:11:32.100 I'm talking with someone. 00:11:32.100 --> 00:11:34.420 And they share something. 00:11:34.540 --> 00:11:35.100 And they break down. 00:11:35.180 --> 00:11:35.899 And they start crying. 00:11:36.659 --> 00:11:37.659 And then they immediately. 00:11:37.659 --> 00:11:38.600 Try to stop themselves. 00:11:38.700 --> 00:11:39.019 And they say. 00:11:39.060 --> 00:11:39.519 I'm sorry. 00:11:40.300 --> 00:11:41.620 I didn't mean to. 00:11:42.200 --> 00:11:42.920 Burden you. 00:11:44.080 --> 00:11:44.659 But you know. 00:11:44.759 --> 00:11:45.740 Crying in front of. 00:11:45.940 --> 00:11:47.220 A brother or sister in Christ. 00:11:47.759 --> 00:11:48.680 Is not a sin. 00:11:50.600 --> 00:11:51.040 Maybe. 00:11:51.300 --> 00:11:52.639 You've been holding in. 00:11:52.639 --> 00:11:53.440 All your emotions. 00:11:53.440 --> 00:11:54.440 For way too long. 00:11:54.480 --> 00:11:55.659 Because of pride. 00:11:55.659 --> 00:11:58.419 Maybe you need to repent. 00:11:58.419 --> 00:11:59.259 Of your pride. 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:01.159 Not of your tears. 00:12:02.279 --> 00:12:02.879 Now it's true. 00:12:02.959 --> 00:12:03.539 Different people. 00:12:03.699 --> 00:12:04.379 Different cultures. 00:12:04.740 --> 00:12:05.919 Express emotion differently. 00:12:07.159 --> 00:12:09.139 But in ancient Egyptian culture. 00:12:10.039 --> 00:12:11.959 The ideal was to remain calm. 00:12:12.379 --> 00:12:12.699 Cool. 00:12:12.980 --> 00:12:13.639 And collected. 00:12:14.600 --> 00:12:16.659 Especially among the professional classes. 00:12:16.819 --> 00:12:19.139 And especially in Pharaoh's palace. 00:12:20.299 --> 00:12:22.179 It was not normal. 00:12:22.980 --> 00:12:25.039 For a man of Joseph's rank. 00:12:25.039 --> 00:12:26.199 In Egypt. 00:12:26.459 --> 00:12:27.799 To weep loudly. 00:12:28.599 --> 00:12:30.219 That's why everyone else noticed. 00:12:31.579 --> 00:12:33.039 But Joseph didn't care. 00:12:34.519 --> 00:12:36.339 He was reconciled with his brothers. 00:12:37.480 --> 00:12:38.259 And so he. 00:12:39.199 --> 00:12:40.279 Let it all go. 00:12:41.240 --> 00:12:42.379 To embrace them. 00:12:43.059 --> 00:12:44.059 And weep over them. 00:12:45.319 --> 00:12:46.399 And welcome them. 00:12:47.219 --> 00:12:47.939 Now we have to ask. 00:12:48.039 --> 00:12:48.860 How did this happen? 00:12:49.959 --> 00:12:51.339 How was Joseph freed. 00:12:52.259 --> 00:12:53.599 To become vulnerable. 00:12:53.599 --> 00:12:54.839 In front of his brothers. 00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:56.120 Who had previously. 00:12:56.120 --> 00:12:57.259 Hated him. 00:12:57.259 --> 00:12:58.740 And sold him into slavery. 00:13:00.079 --> 00:13:01.759 Well the answer is two things. 00:13:02.719 --> 00:13:03.139 First. 00:13:03.259 --> 00:13:04.559 His brothers finally repented. 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:06.779 And second. 00:13:07.179 --> 00:13:08.179 Joseph was ready. 00:13:08.480 --> 00:13:09.059 To forgive. 00:13:10.139 --> 00:13:10.500 You see. 00:13:10.579 --> 00:13:11.599 Genuine reconciliation. 00:13:11.599 --> 00:13:13.259 Between two parties. 00:13:13.259 --> 00:13:13.939 Who have offended. 00:13:14.099 --> 00:13:15.059 Or hurt one another. 00:13:15.319 --> 00:13:16.139 In the past. 00:13:16.279 --> 00:13:17.259 Requires both. 00:13:17.699 --> 00:13:18.459 Repentance. 00:13:18.819 --> 00:13:19.219 And. 00:13:19.819 --> 00:13:20.639 Willingness to forgive. 00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:22.879 You might say. 00:13:22.919 --> 00:13:23.860 What exactly is repentance? 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:24.779 Well repentance means. 00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:25.720 At least two things. 00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:27.919 Acknowledging and regretting. 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:29.199 Past. 00:13:29.559 --> 00:13:29.840 Sin. 00:13:29.939 --> 00:13:30.860 And its consequences. 00:13:32.519 --> 00:13:33.360 And second. 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:36.179 Turning away from sinful patterns. 00:13:36.179 --> 00:13:38.259 And taking a concrete step. 00:13:38.939 --> 00:13:39.799 To trust. 00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:40.720 And obey God. 00:13:40.720 --> 00:13:43.519 Now that's why. 00:13:43.879 --> 00:13:45.019 Joseph didn't immediately. 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:46.279 Let his guard down. 00:13:47.139 --> 00:13:48.519 Back in chapter 42. 00:13:48.519 --> 00:13:50.019 When his brothers first arrived. 00:13:50.019 --> 00:13:50.700 On the scene. 00:13:51.759 --> 00:13:53.200 And he hadn't seen them in 20 years. 00:13:53.259 --> 00:13:54.040 He didn't just say. 00:13:54.600 --> 00:13:54.980 Hey. 00:13:55.740 --> 00:13:56.519 Remember me? 00:13:57.060 --> 00:13:57.920 I'm your brother. 00:13:58.320 --> 00:13:59.720 You sold me into slavery. 00:13:59.720 --> 00:14:00.620 20 years ago. 00:14:00.800 --> 00:14:01.600 But you know what? 00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:02.920 Everything's worked out. 00:14:02.980 --> 00:14:03.519 Just okay. 00:14:03.660 --> 00:14:04.700 God made it all work out. 00:14:04.800 --> 00:14:05.200 For the best. 00:14:05.280 --> 00:14:06.780 So let's just put it behind us. 00:14:06.800 --> 00:14:07.379 And go on. 00:14:09.640 --> 00:14:11.180 That's not real reconciliation. 00:14:12.400 --> 00:14:14.360 That's just putting on a happy face. 00:14:14.580 --> 00:14:16.520 And using religious cliches. 00:14:17.740 --> 00:14:19.920 It's sweeping all the dirt under the rug. 00:14:20.360 --> 00:14:21.840 Instead of cleaning it up. 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:25.280 Papering over the cracks in the wall. 00:14:25.280 --> 00:14:28.520 Instead of actually repairing them. 00:14:30.780 --> 00:14:31.640 It's flimsy. 00:14:32.060 --> 00:14:32.800 It's foolish. 00:14:32.980 --> 00:14:34.580 And it won't last into the future. 00:14:34.580 --> 00:14:36.259 Because it has never dealt with. 00:14:36.520 --> 00:14:38.600 The pain and sin of the past. 00:14:40.040 --> 00:14:40.500 You see. 00:14:40.560 --> 00:14:42.800 If someone has seriously wronged you. 00:14:44.060 --> 00:14:44.920 Lied to you. 00:14:45.759 --> 00:14:46.520 Cheated on you. 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:48.259 Stolen from you. 00:14:49.080 --> 00:14:51.300 And you choose to simply go back to them. 00:14:51.520 --> 00:14:53.440 And make yourself vulnerable to them. 00:14:53.600 --> 00:14:55.400 And fully entrust yourself to them. 00:14:55.400 --> 00:14:58.180 Without any expression of repentance. 00:14:59.120 --> 00:15:00.259 On their part. 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:02.860 Sorrow for the past. 00:15:02.860 --> 00:15:05.700 And making a step toward change. 00:15:06.539 --> 00:15:08.240 You are not promoting reconciliation. 00:15:09.320 --> 00:15:11.560 You are simply putting yourself in a position. 00:15:12.039 --> 00:15:14.440 Where you will probably be hurt all over again. 00:15:15.139 --> 00:15:16.279 And even worse. 00:15:16.800 --> 00:15:18.899 You are enabling the other person. 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:21.259 To continue in their destructive. 00:15:21.740 --> 00:15:22.879 And sinful ways. 00:15:23.600 --> 00:15:25.820 By your refusal to do the hard work. 00:15:25.879 --> 00:15:27.580 Of actually lovingly. 00:15:27.580 --> 00:15:28.540 Confronting them. 00:15:30.160 --> 00:15:32.100 Sometimes the first step toward reconciliation. 00:15:33.040 --> 00:15:35.020 Is lovingly confronting someone. 00:15:35.740 --> 00:15:37.020 About what has gone wrong. 00:15:39.160 --> 00:15:40.540 And if you do that. 00:15:40.920 --> 00:15:42.860 And if they completely reject you. 00:15:43.000 --> 00:15:43.700 And don't listen. 00:15:44.259 --> 00:15:46.160 And don't acknowledge any problem in the past. 00:15:46.259 --> 00:15:47.700 And don't want to change. 00:15:48.840 --> 00:15:51.280 Then you wait patiently and pray. 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:54.279 And pray that God would change their heart. 00:15:55.240 --> 00:15:57.779 And until they show that some sign of change. 00:15:58.539 --> 00:16:01.620 You may need to mourn the loss of the closeness you once had. 00:16:02.459 --> 00:16:05.379 Or simply release the other person into God's hands. 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:06.559 And move on. 00:16:07.539 --> 00:16:09.819 Because apart from repentance. 00:16:10.819 --> 00:16:12.360 True and lasting reconciliation. 00:16:12.360 --> 00:16:14.060 Is not possible. 00:16:15.500 --> 00:16:16.240 Joseph waited. 00:16:16.960 --> 00:16:18.300 He waited long enough. 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:22.220 To see his brothers express sorrow over their past sin. 00:16:23.560 --> 00:16:24.600 And also. 00:16:25.080 --> 00:16:27.259 To begin to act differently. 00:16:27.899 --> 00:16:29.180 Than they had in the past. 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:32.560 Repentance doesn't mean becoming perfect. 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:35.159 It doesn't mean fixing everything. 00:16:35.300 --> 00:16:36.080 But it does mean. 00:16:36.960 --> 00:16:38.000 Acknowledging the wrong. 00:16:39.080 --> 00:16:40.920 And taking a step in the other direction. 00:16:42.360 --> 00:16:43.720 And that's half the reason. 00:16:43.720 --> 00:16:45.279 Why Joseph came out of hiding. 00:16:45.620 --> 00:16:46.519 Because his brothers. 00:16:47.060 --> 00:16:47.399 Truly. 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:48.159 Repented. 00:16:49.820 --> 00:16:51.259 But the other half of the reason. 00:16:52.300 --> 00:16:53.820 Is that Joseph was ready and willing. 00:16:54.180 --> 00:16:55.360 To be reconciled with them. 00:16:58.060 --> 00:16:59.080 Even Joseph held. 00:16:59.220 --> 00:17:01.279 Though Joseph held himself back from his brothers. 00:17:01.779 --> 00:17:02.800 In some ways. 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:04.720 In these. 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:06.019 Chapter 42. 00:17:06.220 --> 00:17:07.180 43 and 44. 00:17:07.799 --> 00:17:08.759 He wasn't. 00:17:09.140 --> 00:17:10.120 Holding bitterness. 00:17:10.519 --> 00:17:11.279 And vindictiveness. 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:12.180 Over their heads. 00:17:12.359 --> 00:17:14.479 And he wasn't. 00:17:14.479 --> 00:17:16.539 Interpreting every one of their present actions. 00:17:16.539 --> 00:17:18.099 In the worst possible light. 00:17:19.819 --> 00:17:20.679 He wasn't. 00:17:20.859 --> 00:17:21.479 Sitting back. 00:17:22.119 --> 00:17:23.639 Sort of folding his arms. 00:17:24.019 --> 00:17:24.819 Sitting on the fence. 00:17:24.859 --> 00:17:25.119 Saying. 00:17:25.259 --> 00:17:25.459 Hmm. 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:27.519 Well. 00:17:27.559 --> 00:17:28.639 Let me see if you change. 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:30.659 And then I'll decide. 00:17:30.719 --> 00:17:30.959 Whether. 00:17:31.599 --> 00:17:32.339 I want to forgive you. 00:17:33.619 --> 00:17:34.139 No. 00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:36.579 He longed for his brothers. 00:17:37.339 --> 00:17:38.539 His heart was moved. 00:17:38.599 --> 00:17:39.959 At every sign of repentance. 00:17:39.959 --> 00:17:40.740 That he saw. 00:17:40.740 --> 00:17:43.019 That's why. 00:17:43.160 --> 00:17:44.359 When he first overheard them. 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:46.700 Expressing their regret. 00:17:46.859 --> 00:17:47.400 And guilt. 00:17:48.200 --> 00:17:49.440 Over selling them into slavery. 00:17:49.579 --> 00:17:50.480 20 years ago. 00:17:51.120 --> 00:17:51.980 He wept. 00:17:54.140 --> 00:17:54.900 And that's why. 00:17:55.039 --> 00:17:56.519 When he saw them come back with Benjamin. 00:17:57.579 --> 00:17:58.559 Rather than just. 00:17:58.859 --> 00:18:00.079 Leaving their brother Simeon. 00:18:00.120 --> 00:18:00.859 In Egypt forever. 00:18:01.620 --> 00:18:01.859 To. 00:18:02.620 --> 00:18:03.099 Rot. 00:18:03.200 --> 00:18:04.180 In an Egyptian dungeon. 00:18:04.180 --> 00:18:05.980 He repaired. 00:18:05.980 --> 00:18:07.019 A lavish feast. 00:18:07.460 --> 00:18:08.360 To welcome them. 00:18:09.860 --> 00:18:10.700 And then finally. 00:18:10.840 --> 00:18:11.779 As we saw at the end of. 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:12.960 Chapter 44. 00:18:13.100 --> 00:18:13.779 He saw Judah. 00:18:15.140 --> 00:18:16.279 Judah who had previously. 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:17.480 Run away from the family. 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:20.180 And abandoned them. 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:23.560 Judah stepped up. 00:18:24.380 --> 00:18:25.460 And offered himself. 00:18:27.100 --> 00:18:27.759 And said. 00:18:28.519 --> 00:18:29.779 Take me as a slave. 00:18:30.560 --> 00:18:31.980 So that Benjamin can go free. 00:18:31.980 --> 00:18:34.839 When he saw that Judah. 00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:37.400 Was devoted to his father. 00:18:37.740 --> 00:18:38.680 And his younger brother. 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:40.180 Joseph couldn't hold himself back. 00:18:40.180 --> 00:18:40.680 Any longer. 00:18:40.819 --> 00:18:41.039 And so. 00:18:41.319 --> 00:18:42.440 The moment that he saw. 00:18:42.539 --> 00:18:44.120 His brothers facing their sin. 00:18:44.360 --> 00:18:46.180 And turning from their selfish ways. 00:18:46.339 --> 00:18:47.339 And showing hearts. 00:18:47.400 --> 00:18:48.400 That were being transformed. 00:18:48.400 --> 00:18:49.180 By God's grace. 00:18:49.259 --> 00:18:50.480 He opened himself up to them. 00:18:51.539 --> 00:18:53.140 And became vulnerable to them. 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:56.120 And he didn't hold back. 00:18:56.119 --> 00:18:58.239 So that's the first. 00:18:58.799 --> 00:18:59.139 Movement. 00:18:59.939 --> 00:19:00.699 Of reconciliation. 00:19:01.099 --> 00:19:01.519 Hiding. 00:19:02.419 --> 00:19:03.599 Replaced by vulnerability. 00:19:04.819 --> 00:19:06.059 The second movement. 00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:07.819 That we see in this passage. 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:09.699 Is guilty fear. 00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:12.399 Replaced by God given. 00:19:13.119 --> 00:19:13.699 Reassurance. 00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:16.119 This is verse 4 through 15. 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:18.859 When Joseph first revealed himself. 00:19:18.859 --> 00:19:19.559 To his brothers. 00:19:20.559 --> 00:19:22.699 His brothers didn't immediately respond. 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:23.099 With. 00:19:23.979 --> 00:19:24.299 Yay. 00:19:24.299 --> 00:19:25.940 Joy and delight. 00:19:26.379 --> 00:19:27.359 Great to see you again. 00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:28.940 They were dismayed. 00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:31.220 It's him. 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:34.019 The one we sold into slavery. 00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:35.359 And thought we got rid of. 00:19:35.659 --> 00:19:37.619 And our lives are in his hand. 00:19:39.039 --> 00:19:40.259 They were scared. 00:19:40.839 --> 00:19:41.359 Speechless. 00:19:42.899 --> 00:19:44.399 And so Joseph had to reassure them. 00:19:45.839 --> 00:19:47.919 Reassure them of his good will toward them. 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:49.980 Which he did over and over. 00:19:51.059 --> 00:19:52.279 In his long speech. 00:19:52.379 --> 00:19:53.519 In verses 4 through 15. 00:19:55.159 --> 00:19:56.779 Twice in verse 4 and verse 5. 00:19:56.859 --> 00:19:58.579 He said you sold me. 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:01.339 But then he said three times. 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:04.039 In verse 5, verse 7, verse 8. 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:06.359 God sent me. 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:10.299 You know if you've really. 00:20:10.700 --> 00:20:11.759 Been wronged. 00:20:11.819 --> 00:20:12.500 By someone. 00:20:13.619 --> 00:20:15.519 If you've been traumatized. 00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:17.339 Like Joseph was. 00:20:17.339 --> 00:20:19.359 A 17 year old kid. 00:20:19.819 --> 00:20:21.459 Ganged up on by his older brothers. 00:20:21.579 --> 00:20:22.059 Beaten up. 00:20:22.159 --> 00:20:22.799 Thrown in a pit. 00:20:22.919 --> 00:20:24.099 Sold to slave traders. 00:20:26.959 --> 00:20:28.379 It can be very hard. 00:20:28.879 --> 00:20:30.480 To see beyond the wrong. 00:20:31.159 --> 00:20:32.319 That someone did to you. 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:35.659 The traumatic event can become all consuming. 00:20:36.459 --> 00:20:37.699 And life defining. 00:20:37.699 --> 00:20:40.299 In a way that warps your vision. 00:20:41.019 --> 00:20:43.279 And distorts your relationships. 00:20:43.279 --> 00:20:46.180 And drains the hope for the future. 00:20:46.619 --> 00:20:47.180 Out of you. 00:20:48.819 --> 00:20:49.819 The solution. 00:20:50.599 --> 00:20:52.160 Is not to deny. 00:20:52.839 --> 00:20:53.660 Or excuse. 00:20:53.920 --> 00:20:54.599 Or dismiss. 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:56.039 The evil that occurred. 00:20:57.099 --> 00:20:58.259 Joseph said it twice. 00:20:58.700 --> 00:20:59.960 You sold me. 00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:01.139 Into slavery. 00:21:01.660 --> 00:21:02.500 Later on. 00:21:02.599 --> 00:21:03.079 He will say. 00:21:03.440 --> 00:21:04.180 You intended. 00:21:04.619 --> 00:21:05.220 To harm me. 00:21:06.220 --> 00:21:07.700 His brothers were motivated. 00:21:07.700 --> 00:21:09.400 By hatred and revenge. 00:21:10.680 --> 00:21:12.380 But 20 years after the fact. 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:14.940 Joseph was able to look back. 00:21:15.819 --> 00:21:18.380 And see that even on the worst day of his life. 00:21:19.279 --> 00:21:20.779 There was more going on. 00:21:21.100 --> 00:21:21.920 Than just. 00:21:22.200 --> 00:21:22.799 His brothers. 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:23.620 Evil. 00:21:24.200 --> 00:21:24.840 Intentions. 00:21:25.860 --> 00:21:26.299 He says. 00:21:26.380 --> 00:21:26.840 God. 00:21:27.420 --> 00:21:27.880 Sent me. 00:21:27.880 --> 00:21:28.519 Here. 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:31.259 And God's purpose. 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:32.319 In sending me here. 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:34.220 Was in direct contrast. 00:21:34.880 --> 00:21:36.200 To your purpose. 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:37.440 In selling me. 00:21:38.400 --> 00:21:38.799 Here. 00:21:39.600 --> 00:21:40.580 That's why he uses. 00:21:40.580 --> 00:21:41.819 Two different verbs. 00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:43.500 To describe. 00:21:44.200 --> 00:21:45.180 The brothers action. 00:21:45.600 --> 00:21:46.620 And God's action. 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:48.680 You sold me. 00:21:48.960 --> 00:21:49.740 God sent me. 00:21:50.559 --> 00:21:51.700 Now the brothers were acting. 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:53.019 And God was acting. 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:54.680 Simultaneously. 00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:55.960 In time and space. 00:21:57.340 --> 00:21:58.740 But their ultimate purposes. 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:00.819 Were very different. 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:02.580 He says. 00:22:02.660 --> 00:22:03.480 You sold me. 00:22:03.799 --> 00:22:05.340 Because you wanted to get rid of me. 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:08.179 So that I would be as good as dead to you. 00:22:08.480 --> 00:22:09.539 You had no purpose. 00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:10.299 For me. 00:22:10.299 --> 00:22:12.019 You saw me as an obstacle. 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:13.899 To get rid of. 00:22:14.359 --> 00:22:15.059 Or at best. 00:22:15.220 --> 00:22:15.759 A means. 00:22:16.220 --> 00:22:17.419 For financial profit. 00:22:17.420 --> 00:22:17.620 It. 00:22:18.820 --> 00:22:19.539 But he said. 00:22:19.600 --> 00:22:20.400 God sent me. 00:22:20.820 --> 00:22:22.279 With a glorious purpose. 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:24.220 Verse 7. 00:22:24.300 --> 00:22:24.580 He says. 00:22:24.660 --> 00:22:25.360 God sent me. 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:26.060 Before. 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:26.800 Verse 5. 00:22:26.900 --> 00:22:27.960 God sent me before you. 00:22:28.340 --> 00:22:29.300 To preserve life. 00:22:30.300 --> 00:22:30.980 Verse 7. 00:22:31.060 --> 00:22:32.120 God sent me before you. 00:22:32.240 --> 00:22:33.100 To preserve for you. 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:33.700 A remnant. 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:35.100 On earth. 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:36.220 And to keep alive. 00:22:36.560 --> 00:22:37.160 For you. 00:22:37.259 --> 00:22:38.039 Many survivors. 00:22:39.620 --> 00:22:40.220 Verse 8. 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:40.519 He said. 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:41.140 It was not you. 00:22:41.240 --> 00:22:41.960 Who sent me here. 00:22:42.060 --> 00:22:42.580 But God. 00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:44.679 In other words. 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:46.000 God sent me. 00:22:46.619 --> 00:22:47.099 Here. 00:22:48.139 --> 00:22:49.720 Not only to suffer as a slave. 00:22:49.859 --> 00:22:50.379 But ultimately. 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:51.879 To rule over all of Egypt. 00:22:52.039 --> 00:22:53.699 To save the nation from a famine. 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:54.879 And to save you. 00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:55.740 My brothers. 00:22:55.899 --> 00:22:56.480 As well. 00:22:58.419 --> 00:22:59.579 What Joseph saw. 00:23:00.659 --> 00:23:02.559 And what he confidently declared here. 00:23:02.639 --> 00:23:03.119 Was this. 00:23:03.119 --> 00:23:05.119 God's good purpose. 00:23:06.359 --> 00:23:07.119 Had outlasted. 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:10.119 And ultimately triumphed. 00:23:10.119 --> 00:23:10.879 Over. 00:23:12.099 --> 00:23:12.879 The sin. 00:23:13.059 --> 00:23:13.839 And evil intent. 00:23:13.959 --> 00:23:14.500 Of his brothers. 00:23:17.439 --> 00:23:18.039 I wonder. 00:23:18.159 --> 00:23:19.279 Is there a traumatic event. 00:23:19.939 --> 00:23:20.919 In your past. 00:23:21.619 --> 00:23:22.619 Or a circumstance. 00:23:22.899 --> 00:23:23.439 In your present. 00:23:23.539 --> 00:23:25.059 That you cannot seem to see. 00:23:25.379 --> 00:23:25.839 Beyond. 00:23:28.439 --> 00:23:29.719 I don't want to comfort. 00:23:29.899 --> 00:23:30.839 I don't want to try. 00:23:31.059 --> 00:23:32.039 To comfort you. 00:23:32.699 --> 00:23:34.079 With simplistic phrases. 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:35.239 Like. 00:23:35.919 --> 00:23:36.899 Everything happens. 00:23:36.899 --> 00:23:37.519 For a reason. 00:23:38.659 --> 00:23:39.759 There is a reason. 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:41.019 Why that phrase. 00:23:41.079 --> 00:23:41.819 Is not found. 00:23:41.919 --> 00:23:42.399 In the Bible. 00:23:44.539 --> 00:23:45.699 Maybe you cannot. 00:23:45.979 --> 00:23:46.619 Identify. 00:23:47.359 --> 00:23:48.439 What God's purpose. 00:23:48.439 --> 00:23:49.059 For you. 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:50.319 Through your trauma. 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:51.399 And through your suffering. 00:23:51.599 --> 00:23:51.959 Is. 00:23:53.419 --> 00:23:54.459 Joseph was able. 00:23:54.739 --> 00:23:55.659 To speak these words. 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:56.399 Confidently. 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:58.039 But it was 22 years. 00:23:58.099 --> 00:23:59.019 After the fact. 00:24:00.179 --> 00:24:01.299 And God had finally. 00:24:01.439 --> 00:24:02.000 Made it clear. 00:24:02.899 --> 00:24:03.899 But it wasn't. 00:24:04.339 --> 00:24:05.559 Necessarily so clear. 00:24:05.899 --> 00:24:07.119 Every step of the way. 00:24:07.119 --> 00:24:09.500 Maybe you can't. 00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:09.899 See. 00:24:10.259 --> 00:24:11.019 God's good. 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:11.779 Purpose. 00:24:12.399 --> 00:24:12.919 Amidst your. 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:13.599 Present. 00:24:14.139 --> 00:24:14.779 Circumstances. 00:24:16.159 --> 00:24:17.339 But can you believe. 00:24:17.459 --> 00:24:18.159 That one day. 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:20.119 By God's grace. 00:24:20.519 --> 00:24:21.779 You might be able. 00:24:21.879 --> 00:24:22.359 To see. 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:23.779 God's good. 00:24:24.339 --> 00:24:25.079 And enduring. 00:24:25.739 --> 00:24:26.179 Purpose. 00:24:26.180 --> 00:24:28.000 Even if you cannot. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:28.660 See it now. 00:24:29.940 --> 00:24:31.180 What Joseph was granted. 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:31.580 To see. 00:24:31.660 --> 00:24:32.400 And what I pray. 00:24:32.880 --> 00:24:33.940 That you would be granted. 00:24:33.940 --> 00:24:34.759 To see as well. 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:37.740 Is that God's good purpose. 00:24:38.100 --> 00:24:39.259 Will outlast. 00:24:39.560 --> 00:24:40.360 And ultimately. 00:24:40.620 --> 00:24:41.019 Triumph. 00:24:41.140 --> 00:24:41.880 Over every. 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:42.740 Sinful. 00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:43.519 And evil. 00:24:43.860 --> 00:24:44.279 Design. 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:48.059 And that's what enabled Joseph. 00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:49.980 To extend grace. 00:24:50.819 --> 00:24:51.839 And reassurance. 00:24:52.559 --> 00:24:53.240 To his brothers. 00:24:53.660 --> 00:24:55.119 Who had wronged him in the past. 00:24:55.899 --> 00:24:57.279 Because Joseph saw. 00:24:57.700 --> 00:24:58.539 God's good purpose. 00:24:58.639 --> 00:25:00.200 He trusted God's good purpose. 00:25:00.899 --> 00:25:02.639 And he was committed to participating. 00:25:03.420 --> 00:25:05.240 In God's good purpose. 00:25:05.940 --> 00:25:07.579 Rather than perpetuating. 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:08.680 The cycle. 00:25:09.660 --> 00:25:11.099 By repaying evil for evil. 00:25:11.099 --> 00:25:13.879 But you know. 00:25:13.939 --> 00:25:14.980 We're not just meant to identify. 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:15.559 With Joseph. 00:25:16.240 --> 00:25:17.179 Who had been hurt. 00:25:18.019 --> 00:25:19.500 We're also meant to identify. 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.299 With his brothers. 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:22.059 Who had sinned. 00:25:23.399 --> 00:25:24.519 Maybe there are people. 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:26.399 Whom you have mistreated. 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:28.859 Gossiped about. 00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:30.619 Lied to. 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:32.519 Ran away from. 00:25:33.459 --> 00:25:35.480 And if they were to suddenly show up. 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:38.079 And be sitting right next to you. 00:25:38.219 --> 00:25:38.799 In your pew. 00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:42.859 Knowing all that you had said and done. 00:25:43.339 --> 00:25:44.799 About them and to them. 00:25:46.059 --> 00:25:47.980 You would be scared and speechless. 00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:52.000 In all of our pasts. 00:25:52.720 --> 00:25:54.019 Without any exceptions. 00:25:54.819 --> 00:25:55.599 There are sins. 00:25:56.700 --> 00:25:57.819 Dark thoughts. 00:25:58.759 --> 00:25:59.940 Selfish actions. 00:26:00.799 --> 00:26:01.919 Careless words. 00:26:03.399 --> 00:26:04.579 Neglected opportunities. 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:06.159 That we have forgotten. 00:26:06.160 --> 00:26:08.480 Or deliberately suppressed. 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:11.000 Maybe like Joseph's brothers. 00:26:11.120 --> 00:26:12.440 You are periodically haunted. 00:26:13.019 --> 00:26:15.400 By the memory of past sins. 00:26:16.040 --> 00:26:18.060 Plagued by guilty fear. 00:26:20.259 --> 00:26:21.680 Look at what Joseph said. 00:26:22.120 --> 00:26:22.720 To his brothers. 00:26:25.120 --> 00:26:25.880 Verse 4. 00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:26.240 He said. 00:26:26.320 --> 00:26:27.000 Come near. 00:26:27.340 --> 00:26:27.660 To me. 00:26:28.820 --> 00:26:29.279 He said. 00:26:29.320 --> 00:26:30.019 Don't run away. 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:31.720 Don't hide. 00:26:32.279 --> 00:26:33.300 Don't stay stuck. 00:26:33.360 --> 00:26:34.400 In your guilty fear. 00:26:34.400 --> 00:26:35.600 You have repented. 00:26:36.420 --> 00:26:37.620 I have forgiven. 00:26:38.580 --> 00:26:40.240 We are reconciled. 00:26:40.740 --> 00:26:42.240 We can now embrace. 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.480 Verse 5. 00:26:44.560 --> 00:26:44.780 He said. 00:26:45.019 --> 00:26:45.880 Don't be distressed. 00:26:46.320 --> 00:26:47.600 Or angry with yourselves. 00:26:48.060 --> 00:26:48.759 In other words. 00:26:48.920 --> 00:26:50.180 It doesn't do any good. 00:26:50.360 --> 00:26:52.220 To constantly beat yourself up. 00:26:53.060 --> 00:26:54.780 Over your past failures. 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:57.120 Yes. 00:26:57.320 --> 00:26:59.019 We should mourn over our sin. 00:26:59.759 --> 00:27:01.920 And be truly sorry for it. 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:04.279 But godly sorrow. 00:27:05.000 --> 00:27:05.860 Paul says. 00:27:05.940 --> 00:27:06.779 Leads to repentance. 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:10.560 To obedience. 00:27:11.100 --> 00:27:11.600 And life. 00:27:12.120 --> 00:27:12.620 And joy. 00:27:13.940 --> 00:27:15.920 So instead of beating yourself up. 00:27:16.039 --> 00:27:17.320 For no good purpose. 00:27:17.420 --> 00:27:17.980 Joseph said. 00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:18.759 Get up. 00:27:19.039 --> 00:27:19.600 Go home. 00:27:19.840 --> 00:27:20.980 And bring dad down here. 00:27:21.060 --> 00:27:23.340 So that we can actually be all together as a family. 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:26.920 Verse 9 and verse 13. 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:27.240 He says. 00:27:27.300 --> 00:27:27.600 Hurry. 00:27:27.600 --> 00:27:29.940 Go to dad. 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:30.340 Hurry. 00:27:31.880 --> 00:27:33.160 Bring him down here. 00:27:33.820 --> 00:27:34.700 Verse 24. 00:27:34.820 --> 00:27:35.279 He warned them. 00:27:35.840 --> 00:27:36.980 Don't quarrel on the way. 00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:40.120 In other words. 00:27:40.180 --> 00:27:41.460 Don't waste your time. 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:43.500 Wringing your hands. 00:27:43.620 --> 00:27:44.039 And wondering. 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:45.620 What if things happen differently? 00:27:45.779 --> 00:27:46.539 Well they didn't. 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:50.660 Don't get caught up with blaming each other. 00:27:50.880 --> 00:27:52.059 And pointing fingers. 00:27:52.059 --> 00:27:56.220 Don't fear for the future. 00:27:56.940 --> 00:27:58.319 Because you're my brothers. 00:27:59.019 --> 00:28:01.539 My love for you won't change. 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:04.460 Brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:28:05.119 --> 00:28:06.940 Aren't these the same words. 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:09.259 That the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:28:10.039 --> 00:28:11.119 Says to us. 00:28:12.940 --> 00:28:13.700 Hebrews 4. 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:14.759 Let us draw near. 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:16.940 With confidence. 00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:18.460 To the throne. 00:28:19.079 --> 00:28:19.919 Of grace. 00:28:19.920 --> 00:28:22.560 John 14. 00:28:22.560 --> 00:28:25.519 Don't let your hearts be troubled. 00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:27.900 Trust in God. 00:28:28.720 --> 00:28:29.980 Trust also in me. 00:28:30.880 --> 00:28:32.620 As the Father has loved me. 00:28:32.740 --> 00:28:34.360 So have I loved you. 00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:38.200 Abide in my love. 00:28:41.480 --> 00:28:42.680 Don't cringe. 00:28:43.340 --> 00:28:44.060 And run away. 00:28:44.700 --> 00:28:45.700 In guilty fear. 00:28:46.340 --> 00:28:48.300 Be assured of God's love for you. 00:28:48.299 --> 00:28:49.440 In Jesus Christ. 00:28:49.559 --> 00:28:51.059 And draw near to him. 00:28:53.559 --> 00:28:54.159 Hiding. 00:28:54.539 --> 00:28:56.119 Is replaced with vulnerability. 00:28:57.220 --> 00:28:58.200 Guilty fear. 00:28:58.799 --> 00:29:00.799 Is replaced with God given reassurance. 00:29:02.180 --> 00:29:03.200 And third and finally. 00:29:04.220 --> 00:29:05.200 We see hostility. 00:29:06.039 --> 00:29:06.720 Replaced. 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:07.980 With hospitality. 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:10.639 This is verse 16 through 28. 00:29:11.940 --> 00:29:13.099 You see reconciliation. 00:29:14.039 --> 00:29:15.839 Is not just a one time event. 00:29:15.839 --> 00:29:19.819 It's not just a really emotional family reunion. 00:29:19.819 --> 00:29:21.839 And then you go back to your regular way of life. 00:29:22.799 --> 00:29:26.559 True reconciliation leads into ongoing fellowship. 00:29:27.919 --> 00:29:29.419 In the second half of this chapter. 00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:32.740 We see Joseph providing for his family. 00:29:33.879 --> 00:29:35.939 He provided for them quite generously. 00:29:36.579 --> 00:29:37.839 Look at all the things he provided. 00:29:38.179 --> 00:29:38.599 Food. 00:29:39.019 --> 00:29:40.980 To sustain him during the coming years of famine. 00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:41.579 Verse 11. 00:29:42.119 --> 00:29:42.599 Housing. 00:29:42.599 --> 00:29:44.819 The best land in Egypt. 00:29:44.819 --> 00:29:45.639 Verse 18. 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:46.500 Transportation. 00:29:47.139 --> 00:29:47.700 Verse 21. 00:29:48.099 --> 00:29:48.559 Wagons. 00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:51.279 The ancient equivalent of a door-to-door limo service. 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:52.639 Clothing. 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:53.740 Verse 22. 00:29:54.980 --> 00:29:59.859 Recognizing their renewed status as brothers and sons in the same family. 00:30:00.899 --> 00:30:01.259 Gifts. 00:30:01.720 --> 00:30:02.399 Verse 23. 00:30:02.799 --> 00:30:06.019 Ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt. 00:30:08.179 --> 00:30:10.200 But you know the main theme of this section. 00:30:10.759 --> 00:30:12.419 Is not Joseph's provision. 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:14.279 And his gifts to his brothers. 00:30:14.819 --> 00:30:16.700 Because if he wanted. 00:30:17.139 --> 00:30:18.439 Joseph could have arranged. 00:30:18.639 --> 00:30:21.299 For his brothers to be provided for back in Canaan. 00:30:22.240 --> 00:30:23.720 He was the governor of Egypt. 00:30:24.159 --> 00:30:25.399 Second in command to Pharaoh. 00:30:26.639 --> 00:30:28.119 He had the power to order. 00:30:28.419 --> 00:30:30.000 Regular delivery service. 00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:31.720 Amazon Prime. 00:30:32.279 --> 00:30:33.419 Monthly delivery. 00:30:33.839 --> 00:30:36.460 Of everything that they could ever want or need. 00:30:37.500 --> 00:30:39.559 Straight from the storehouses of Egypt. 00:30:39.559 --> 00:30:41.259 But no. 00:30:41.879 --> 00:30:42.779 He called them. 00:30:43.379 --> 00:30:44.179 To himself. 00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:45.619 He said come. 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:47.879 Dwell in the land of Goshen. 00:30:48.200 --> 00:30:50.339 You shall be near me. 00:30:52.019 --> 00:30:54.379 See he wasn't just providing for them. 00:30:54.500 --> 00:30:55.299 From a distance. 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:58.879 He was calling them to come and live with him. 00:30:58.880 --> 00:31:01.360 And for once. 00:31:01.700 --> 00:31:02.900 His brothers got him. 00:31:03.820 --> 00:31:04.900 When they went home. 00:31:04.980 --> 00:31:05.580 They didn't say. 00:31:06.100 --> 00:31:06.720 Hey dad. 00:31:07.220 --> 00:31:09.080 We've got free tickets to Egypt. 00:31:09.700 --> 00:31:11.280 We'll have plenty of food. 00:31:11.400 --> 00:31:12.400 Better land. 00:31:12.660 --> 00:31:13.600 A bigger house. 00:31:14.120 --> 00:31:14.780 New clothes. 00:31:14.940 --> 00:31:16.260 And extravagant wealth. 00:31:17.260 --> 00:31:19.300 They didn't mention any of those things. 00:31:20.300 --> 00:31:20.900 They said. 00:31:20.940 --> 00:31:22.460 Joseph is still alive. 00:31:22.460 --> 00:31:25.980 And he's ruler over all of Egypt. 00:31:27.019 --> 00:31:28.980 The provisions were only a token. 00:31:29.819 --> 00:31:30.680 A sign. 00:31:31.460 --> 00:31:32.960 Of Joseph's hospitality. 00:31:33.140 --> 00:31:34.180 A tangible symbol. 00:31:35.039 --> 00:31:37.559 To show Jacob that Joseph really was alive. 00:31:39.740 --> 00:31:41.160 You see hospitality. 00:31:41.680 --> 00:31:43.120 Is not entertainment. 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:47.819 Hospitality is not impressing your family or friends. 00:31:47.819 --> 00:31:50.000 With by having the biggest house. 00:31:50.220 --> 00:31:51.660 Or the cleanest house. 00:31:52.460 --> 00:31:53.460 Or the best food. 00:31:53.559 --> 00:31:54.460 Or the newest toys. 00:31:54.579 --> 00:31:56.059 Or the most extravagant gifts. 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:59.660 The material provisions are only a means. 00:32:00.019 --> 00:32:00.900 To an end. 00:32:01.700 --> 00:32:03.860 Of welcoming people graciously. 00:32:04.140 --> 00:32:04.759 Into your home. 00:32:05.559 --> 00:32:06.400 Into your life. 00:32:07.019 --> 00:32:08.579 And into life with God. 00:32:10.220 --> 00:32:11.539 Henry Nouwen wrote this. 00:32:12.700 --> 00:32:13.059 He said. 00:32:13.140 --> 00:32:14.500 In our world full of strangers. 00:32:15.600 --> 00:32:16.740 People estranged. 00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:17.740 From their own past. 00:32:18.680 --> 00:32:19.779 Their own culture. 00:32:19.960 --> 00:32:20.480 And country. 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:21.880 From their neighbors. 00:32:22.039 --> 00:32:22.319 Friends. 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.960 And family. 00:32:23.419 --> 00:32:24.819 From their deepest self. 00:32:25.000 --> 00:32:25.939 And from God. 00:32:26.839 --> 00:32:28.679 We witness a painful search. 00:32:29.059 --> 00:32:30.740 For a hospitable place. 00:32:31.480 --> 00:32:33.500 Where life can be lived without fear. 00:32:34.039 --> 00:32:35.740 And where community can be found. 00:32:36.899 --> 00:32:37.659 Hospitality. 00:32:37.899 --> 00:32:39.379 Means creating a space. 00:32:39.720 --> 00:32:41.359 Where the stranger can enter. 00:32:41.700 --> 00:32:42.599 And become a friend. 00:32:43.399 --> 00:32:44.319 Instead of an enemy. 00:32:45.879 --> 00:32:46.799 Brothers and sisters. 00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:47.220 What we. 00:32:47.519 --> 00:32:49.179 What Joseph did for his brothers. 00:32:49.180 --> 00:32:51.820 What we hear in that quote. 00:32:51.820 --> 00:32:52.980 Is what Jesus Christ. 00:32:53.380 --> 00:32:54.539 Has done for us. 00:32:55.240 --> 00:32:56.900 At the cost of his very own life. 00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:58.180 He has opened up a way for us. 00:32:58.220 --> 00:32:59.000 To enter in. 00:32:59.220 --> 00:33:00.019 And draw near. 00:33:00.100 --> 00:33:02.080 To the presence of the living God. 00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:03.519 As our father. 00:33:03.700 --> 00:33:04.460 In heaven. 00:33:05.460 --> 00:33:06.700 Through his death and resurrection. 00:33:06.700 --> 00:33:08.019 He's brought us from death. 00:33:08.019 --> 00:33:08.880 To life. 00:33:09.960 --> 00:33:11.100 Through his sacrifice. 00:33:11.100 --> 00:33:12.120 As a substitute. 00:33:12.120 --> 00:33:13.299 In our place. 00:33:13.299 --> 00:33:15.059 He has transformed. 00:33:15.619 --> 00:33:16.480 Sinners like us. 00:33:16.579 --> 00:33:17.299 God's enemies. 00:33:17.559 --> 00:33:17.940 Into. 00:33:18.839 --> 00:33:19.700 God's friends. 00:33:20.339 --> 00:33:21.200 And he has promised. 00:33:22.180 --> 00:33:22.500 Never. 00:33:22.919 --> 00:33:23.139 Will. 00:33:23.419 --> 00:33:23.980 I leave you. 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:24.980 Never. 00:33:25.440 --> 00:33:25.599 Will. 00:33:25.740 --> 00:33:25.960 I. 00:33:26.319 --> 00:33:26.960 Forsake you. 00:33:28.579 --> 00:33:29.359 So the ministry. 00:33:29.680 --> 00:33:30.680 Of hospitality. 00:33:31.339 --> 00:33:32.500 Is a profoundly. 00:33:32.919 --> 00:33:33.319 Christian. 00:33:33.579 --> 00:33:33.960 Act. 00:33:35.079 --> 00:33:36.119 It's a sign. 00:33:36.200 --> 00:33:36.680 A pointer. 00:33:36.859 --> 00:33:36.980 To. 00:33:37.259 --> 00:33:37.779 The reality. 00:33:37.779 --> 00:33:38.659 Of what Christ. 00:33:39.319 --> 00:33:39.980 Has done. 00:33:40.599 --> 00:33:41.279 In welcoming. 00:33:41.839 --> 00:33:42.240 Us. 00:33:42.659 --> 00:33:43.019 Home. 00:33:43.299 --> 00:33:44.919 To live. 00:33:45.180 --> 00:33:45.680 With him. 00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:46.299 Forever. 00:33:49.359 --> 00:33:50.059 The ministry. 00:33:50.139 --> 00:33:50.759 Of hospitality. 00:33:51.319 --> 00:33:51.799 Might mean. 00:33:51.879 --> 00:33:52.599 Taking in a brother. 00:33:52.680 --> 00:33:53.039 Or sister. 00:33:53.139 --> 00:33:53.619 In Christ. 00:33:54.159 --> 00:33:54.740 Who has fallen. 00:33:54.839 --> 00:33:55.579 On hard times. 00:33:55.639 --> 00:33:56.359 And has nowhere else. 00:33:56.359 --> 00:33:56.819 To stay. 00:33:58.099 --> 00:33:58.819 If you're willing. 00:33:58.879 --> 00:33:59.539 To consider that. 00:33:59.619 --> 00:34:00.099 Let me know. 00:34:01.799 --> 00:34:02.359 There will. 00:34:02.519 --> 00:34:03.359 There are opportunities. 00:34:03.359 --> 00:34:04.019 That come along. 00:34:04.899 --> 00:34:05.519 Maybe it means. 00:34:05.599 --> 00:34:06.440 Adopting a child. 00:34:06.639 --> 00:34:07.919 Whose biological parents. 00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:08.460 Can no longer. 00:34:08.539 --> 00:34:09.239 Take care of them. 00:34:09.940 --> 00:34:10.699 Maybe it means. 00:34:10.779 --> 00:34:11.800 Extending God's mercy. 00:34:11.920 --> 00:34:12.759 By coming alongside. 00:34:12.760 --> 00:34:13.440 A foreigner. 00:34:13.440 --> 00:34:14.320 An immigrant. 00:34:14.320 --> 00:34:15.140 Or a refugee. 00:34:15.140 --> 00:34:16.360 With practical help. 00:34:17.000 --> 00:34:17.780 Maybe it starts. 00:34:17.780 --> 00:34:18.580 With something simple. 00:34:19.540 --> 00:34:21.140 Like making a regular practice. 00:34:21.140 --> 00:34:22.080 Of greeting someone. 00:34:22.080 --> 00:34:22.980 You don't know. 00:34:22.980 --> 00:34:23.580 At church. 00:34:24.240 --> 00:34:25.080 Or helping out. 00:34:25.140 --> 00:34:26.000 With fellowship hour. 00:34:26.500 --> 00:34:27.680 Or inviting people. 00:34:27.680 --> 00:34:28.740 To join you for lunch. 00:34:29.140 --> 00:34:30.080 After the service. 00:34:30.880 --> 00:34:32.260 I pray that we would be. 00:34:32.260 --> 00:34:32.680 A church. 00:34:32.820 --> 00:34:33.880 Characterized by this. 00:34:34.140 --> 00:34:34.700 Welcoming. 00:34:35.200 --> 00:34:35.880 Hospitality. 00:34:35.880 --> 00:34:37.900 That overcomes hostility. 00:34:37.900 --> 00:34:38.860 And bears witness. 00:34:38.860 --> 00:34:39.780 To the world. 00:34:39.780 --> 00:34:41.400 Of the reconciling power. 00:34:41.400 --> 00:34:42.820 Of Jesus Christ. 00:34:44.059 --> 00:34:44.640 Hiding. 00:34:45.380 --> 00:34:46.720 Replaced with vulnerability. 00:34:47.800 --> 00:34:48.960 Guilty fear. 00:34:49.200 --> 00:34:51.160 Replaced with God-given reassurance. 00:34:51.300 --> 00:34:51.860 Hostility. 00:34:51.940 --> 00:34:53.220 Replaced with hospitality. 00:34:54.220 --> 00:34:55.760 Each of these three aspects. 00:34:55.760 --> 00:34:56.539 Of reconciliation. 00:34:57.660 --> 00:34:59.039 Finds its fullest expression. 00:34:59.760 --> 00:35:00.940 In the person and work. 00:35:01.000 --> 00:35:02.200 Of Jesus Christ. 00:35:02.199 --> 00:35:02.359 Christ. 00:35:03.519 --> 00:35:04.119 In particular. 00:35:04.119 --> 00:35:05.599 After Jesus rose from the dead. 00:35:06.619 --> 00:35:07.639 He didn't stay hidden. 00:35:08.319 --> 00:35:09.719 He appeared to his disciples. 00:35:09.859 --> 00:35:10.319 And at first. 00:35:10.419 --> 00:35:11.460 Just like Joseph's brothers. 00:35:11.719 --> 00:35:13.279 They didn't recognize him. 00:35:14.739 --> 00:35:15.579 But he said. 00:35:15.659 --> 00:35:15.899 See. 00:35:16.439 --> 00:35:17.559 My hands. 00:35:18.259 --> 00:35:18.879 My feet. 00:35:19.519 --> 00:35:20.460 It is I myself. 00:35:20.559 --> 00:35:21.119 Touch me. 00:35:21.319 --> 00:35:21.939 And see. 00:35:23.899 --> 00:35:25.299 But like Joseph's brothers. 00:35:25.579 --> 00:35:26.519 In verse 3. 00:35:26.599 --> 00:35:27.879 And Jacob in verse 26. 00:35:27.960 --> 00:35:28.859 The initial response. 00:35:28.859 --> 00:35:29.719 Of Jesus' disciples. 00:35:29.719 --> 00:35:31.519 Was shock and disbelief. 00:35:32.199 --> 00:35:33.980 So Jesus went on. 00:35:34.199 --> 00:35:35.059 Like Joseph did. 00:35:35.139 --> 00:35:36.019 To reassure them. 00:35:37.119 --> 00:35:38.159 To reassure. 00:35:38.439 --> 00:35:39.159 The disciples. 00:35:39.159 --> 00:35:39.960 Of his good will. 00:35:40.059 --> 00:35:40.659 Toward them. 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:42.480 Despite the fact. 00:35:42.559 --> 00:35:43.419 That they had failed him. 00:35:44.199 --> 00:35:45.480 Quite recently. 00:35:47.099 --> 00:35:48.159 Three times. 00:35:48.579 --> 00:35:49.779 They had fallen asleep. 00:35:49.779 --> 00:35:50.339 In the garden. 00:35:51.039 --> 00:35:51.739 When he told them. 00:35:51.799 --> 00:35:52.539 To watch and pray. 00:35:53.359 --> 00:35:54.059 Three times. 00:35:54.139 --> 00:35:55.659 Peter had publicly denied him. 00:35:55.939 --> 00:35:56.480 Most of them. 00:35:56.559 --> 00:35:57.299 Had abandoned him. 00:35:57.339 --> 00:35:57.879 And fled. 00:35:58.279 --> 00:35:59.259 Even those who stayed. 00:35:59.259 --> 00:36:00.439 And watched the crucifixion. 00:36:00.519 --> 00:36:01.079 From a distance. 00:36:01.079 --> 00:36:02.019 Were powerless. 00:36:02.340 --> 00:36:03.039 To do anything. 00:36:03.039 --> 00:36:03.759 To help. 00:36:05.519 --> 00:36:06.840 But in all the times. 00:36:07.400 --> 00:36:08.159 That Jesus appeared. 00:36:08.159 --> 00:36:08.860 To his disciples. 00:36:08.860 --> 00:36:09.940 After his resurrection. 00:36:10.340 --> 00:36:11.900 He hardly ever brought up. 00:36:12.819 --> 00:36:13.719 Those failures. 00:36:15.380 --> 00:36:16.599 The only time he did. 00:36:16.639 --> 00:36:17.659 Was when he talked to Peter. 00:36:19.259 --> 00:36:19.699 Said. 00:36:19.779 --> 00:36:20.699 Peter do you love me? 00:36:21.840 --> 00:36:22.960 Peter do you love me? 00:36:23.900 --> 00:36:24.819 Peter do you love me? 00:36:24.940 --> 00:36:25.639 And he did it. 00:36:27.079 --> 00:36:28.500 Not to humiliate Peter. 00:36:28.500 --> 00:36:28.579 Peter. 00:36:29.320 --> 00:36:30.639 But to restore Peter. 00:36:31.519 --> 00:36:32.559 And to commission him. 00:36:32.780 --> 00:36:33.340 For the future. 00:36:34.360 --> 00:36:34.719 You see. 00:36:34.780 --> 00:36:36.239 Jesus reassured his disciples. 00:36:36.360 --> 00:36:37.400 And he reassures us. 00:36:37.480 --> 00:36:39.199 That God's good purposes. 00:36:40.300 --> 00:36:41.679 Had triumphed. 00:36:41.679 --> 00:36:43.480 Over humanity's evil and sin. 00:36:44.320 --> 00:36:45.300 Jesus was crucified. 00:36:46.739 --> 00:36:48.440 It was an evil thing. 00:36:49.599 --> 00:36:51.980 But it was also according to the plan of God. 00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:54.639 In order to fulfill the scriptures. 00:36:54.800 --> 00:36:56.599 In order to bring salvation to the world. 00:36:57.679 --> 00:36:58.500 To us. 00:37:00.420 --> 00:37:02.059 So Jesus reassures us today. 00:37:02.119 --> 00:37:03.219 Just like he did back then. 00:37:04.500 --> 00:37:05.699 He speaks peace. 00:37:06.199 --> 00:37:07.420 To our troubled hearts. 00:37:08.199 --> 00:37:09.699 He lifts up his hands. 00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:11.000 As he did for his disciples. 00:37:11.119 --> 00:37:12.159 He blesses us. 00:37:12.740 --> 00:37:13.579 With his favor. 00:37:14.400 --> 00:37:15.840 And he fills us with his spirit. 00:37:15.840 --> 00:37:17.920 And sends us out to go. 00:37:18.000 --> 00:37:18.720 And bear witness. 00:37:19.120 --> 00:37:19.700 About him. 00:37:19.760 --> 00:37:20.740 To the ends of the earth. 00:37:21.500 --> 00:37:22.760 And to welcome others. 00:37:23.680 --> 00:37:25.300 Into the home that he is providing. 00:37:25.420 --> 00:37:26.300 He reassures us. 00:37:26.300 --> 00:37:28.440 Of his ongoing goodwill toward us. 00:37:30.300 --> 00:37:31.260 Finally like Joseph. 00:37:31.380 --> 00:37:32.680 Jesus extends hospitality. 00:37:34.000 --> 00:37:35.640 He welcomes us into his presence. 00:37:35.760 --> 00:37:37.019 He sent his very own spirit. 00:37:37.019 --> 00:37:38.160 To dwell in us. 00:37:38.200 --> 00:37:39.579 And he's preparing a place for us. 00:37:39.620 --> 00:37:40.420 To dwell with him. 00:37:40.760 --> 00:37:41.079 Forever. 00:37:42.760 --> 00:37:43.079 You know. 00:37:43.079 --> 00:37:44.139 When Joseph sent his brothers. 00:37:44.880 --> 00:37:46.559 To bring his father back to Egypt. 00:37:47.440 --> 00:37:48.579 He sent them not only. 00:37:48.719 --> 00:37:49.739 With a royal invitation. 00:37:49.940 --> 00:37:50.699 To join him. 00:37:51.380 --> 00:37:52.719 But also with wagons. 00:37:52.860 --> 00:37:53.299 And gifts. 00:37:55.500 --> 00:37:56.799 Now he didn't really need to. 00:37:57.279 --> 00:37:58.719 Send all the gifts down there. 00:37:58.840 --> 00:37:59.460 Ten donkeys. 00:37:59.559 --> 00:38:00.619 Loaded with good things of Egypt. 00:38:01.259 --> 00:38:02.619 And then they're just going to turn around. 00:38:02.679 --> 00:38:03.539 And go right back to Egypt. 00:38:03.639 --> 00:38:04.840 With all those good things on them. 00:38:05.319 --> 00:38:06.579 You don't even have enough time. 00:38:06.599 --> 00:38:07.599 To eat all those good things. 00:38:07.639 --> 00:38:08.579 That are on ten donkeys. 00:38:11.000 --> 00:38:11.940 Why did he send them? 00:38:13.079 --> 00:38:15.679 He sent them so Jacob could be absolutely sure. 00:38:16.380 --> 00:38:19.199 That the invitation was for real. 00:38:20.779 --> 00:38:22.259 And it says in verse 27. 00:38:22.420 --> 00:38:24.059 When Jacob heard Joseph's words. 00:38:24.179 --> 00:38:25.500 And saw the wagons. 00:38:26.460 --> 00:38:27.659 That Joseph had sent. 00:38:28.619 --> 00:38:29.759 The limo service. 00:38:30.900 --> 00:38:32.079 His spirit was revived. 00:38:33.039 --> 00:38:33.460 And he said. 00:38:33.500 --> 00:38:34.279 Joseph is alive. 00:38:34.980 --> 00:38:35.980 I'll go and see him. 00:38:37.460 --> 00:38:39.159 Well this morning we come to the Lord's Supper. 00:38:40.460 --> 00:38:42.659 The table where we share the bread and the cup. 00:38:43.079 --> 00:38:44.639 The tokens. 00:38:45.259 --> 00:38:45.880 The pledges. 00:38:46.279 --> 00:38:46.900 The signs. 00:38:47.259 --> 00:38:48.199 Of Jesus' promise. 00:38:48.639 --> 00:38:50.179 That his invitation is for real. 00:38:51.119 --> 00:38:52.719 That he hasn't left us alone. 00:38:53.559 --> 00:38:55.360 That he'll bring us home to himself. 00:38:55.460 --> 00:38:56.980 And he'll carry us all the way there. 00:38:57.639 --> 00:38:59.079 And he'll hold us fast. 00:38:59.920 --> 00:39:02.039 And that he's preparing a glorious place. 00:39:02.699 --> 00:39:05.340 Where we'll feast at his table in the true promised land. 00:39:05.340 --> 00:39:09.820 The Lord's Supper is a meal about reconciliation with God. 00:39:10.400 --> 00:39:12.280 And reconciliation with one another. 00:39:13.519 --> 00:39:15.800 It represents reconciliation with God. 00:39:16.240 --> 00:39:19.780 Because the bread and the cup represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ. 00:39:20.900 --> 00:39:23.480 That the only way for us to be reconciled with God. 00:39:23.960 --> 00:39:27.300 Is through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 00:39:27.300 --> 00:39:28.860 That he made on the cross. 00:39:29.120 --> 00:39:30.500 To pay for our sins. 00:39:30.500 --> 00:39:34.059 If you haven't yet accepted Jesus Christ. 00:39:34.739 --> 00:39:36.860 We ask that you don't take the bread and the cup. 00:39:38.219 --> 00:39:41.079 If you haven't yet embraced what this meal represents. 00:39:42.420 --> 00:39:44.380 But as the bread and the cup come along. 00:39:45.440 --> 00:39:47.099 It's a sign of an invitation. 00:39:47.260 --> 00:39:48.260 An open invitation. 00:39:48.699 --> 00:39:50.320 To anyone who will receive it. 00:39:50.780 --> 00:39:52.239 That Jesus says come to me. 00:39:53.059 --> 00:39:54.559 And I will forgive your sins. 00:39:55.000 --> 00:39:56.699 And reassure you of my love. 00:39:56.699 --> 00:39:59.199 And I welcome you home forever. 00:40:00.659 --> 00:40:01.639 If you've repented. 00:40:01.799 --> 00:40:03.039 If you've acknowledged your sinfulness. 00:40:03.500 --> 00:40:05.500 And turned to Jesus as Savior and Lord. 00:40:06.259 --> 00:40:09.259 Take the bread and the cup as tokens of his grace. 00:40:10.179 --> 00:40:11.839 As pledges of his promise. 00:40:13.039 --> 00:40:15.719 That as surely as you eat this bread and drink this cup. 00:40:16.179 --> 00:40:17.379 Even more surely. 00:40:18.139 --> 00:40:19.500 Christ has washed you clean. 00:40:19.879 --> 00:40:20.919 From all your sins. 00:40:21.339 --> 00:40:22.559 Through his death on the cross. 00:40:23.480 --> 00:40:25.939 But the Lord's Supper also expresses our reconciliation. 00:40:25.940 --> 00:40:26.820 With one another. 00:40:27.300 --> 00:40:28.059 Through Christ. 00:40:28.960 --> 00:40:30.639 We share the bread and the cup together. 00:40:31.960 --> 00:40:33.300 As a body of believers. 00:40:33.440 --> 00:40:35.559 Just like we celebrate baptism together. 00:40:37.019 --> 00:40:38.820 So as we prepare to take the Lord's Supper. 00:40:38.940 --> 00:40:39.900 Let me urge you to consider. 00:40:41.320 --> 00:40:42.900 Is there someone who has wronged you? 00:40:43.820 --> 00:40:44.700 That you need to forgive. 00:40:45.840 --> 00:40:47.940 And be willing to reconcile with them. 00:40:48.119 --> 00:40:49.019 If they repent. 00:40:50.099 --> 00:40:51.980 If so as you take the bread and the cup. 00:40:51.980 --> 00:40:53.340 Pray for that person. 00:40:53.340 --> 00:40:57.680 And entrust them into God's good hands. 00:40:58.700 --> 00:41:00.700 Or is there someone that you have wronged. 00:41:00.800 --> 00:41:02.260 And need to make amends with. 00:41:03.440 --> 00:41:04.720 Confess your sin to God. 00:41:05.260 --> 00:41:06.620 Be assured of Christ's forgiveness. 00:41:07.700 --> 00:41:09.620 And don't let this day pass by. 00:41:10.160 --> 00:41:12.019 Without doing your part to make things right. 00:41:13.400 --> 00:41:14.660 With those who are going to serve communion. 00:41:15.120 --> 00:41:16.059 Come to the front. 00:41:16.059 --> 00:41:22.119 We're going to pass out the bread. 00:41:22.699 --> 00:41:23.519 And then the cup. 00:41:24.719 --> 00:41:25.940 Share and eat them together. 00:41:28.119 --> 00:41:31.779 As we remember what Christ has done for us. 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.860 And celebrate. 00:41:33.380 --> 00:41:35.179 How he has reconciled us to himself. 00:41:36.000 --> 00:41:37.059 And how he promises. 00:41:37.900 --> 00:41:39.500 To one day make all things new. 00:41:41.099 --> 00:41:42.199 And bring us into. 00:41:43.099 --> 00:41:43.799 His kingdom. 00:41:44.599 --> 00:41:45.000 Forever. 00:41:45.000 --> 00:41:45.119 Forever. 00:41:47.639 --> 00:41:49.280 As we prepare to take the Lord's Supper. 00:41:49.380 --> 00:41:50.320 Let me read from Matthew. 00:41:53.420 --> 00:41:54.260 Jesus' words. 00:41:56.099 --> 00:41:56.980 At the Passover. 00:41:57.159 --> 00:41:57.900 Now as they were eating. 00:41:58.000 --> 00:41:58.719 Jesus took bread. 00:41:58.800 --> 00:41:59.639 And after blessing it. 00:42:00.420 --> 00:42:01.980 He broke it and gave it to the disciples. 00:42:02.119 --> 00:42:02.500 And he said. 00:42:02.559 --> 00:42:03.360 Take and eat. 00:42:04.400 --> 00:42:06.059 This is my body. 00:42:07.500 --> 00:42:08.579 John would you give thanks. 00:42:08.579 --> 00:42:08.659 Thanks. 00:42:08.659 --> 00:42:08.699 Thanks. 00:42:08.699 --> 00:42:08.719 Thanks. 00:42:08.719 --> 00:42:08.760 Thanks. 00:42:15.000 --> 00:42:15.760 00:42:45.000 --> 00:42:49.480 But you made yourself vulnerable, and you came to us, 00:42:49.519 --> 00:42:53.659 and you took further wounds than the ones we had already given, 00:42:54.699 --> 00:42:58.860 the cost of reconciliation and bringing us back, 00:43:00.000 --> 00:43:03.900 throwing open the doors that we might be welcomed in, 00:43:03.900 --> 00:43:06.119 having paid the price of our sin. 00:43:07.639 --> 00:43:13.460 And what extravagance there is, the ten donkeys full of riches, 00:43:13.460 --> 00:43:18.840 what all it means to be drawn into the hospitality of God, 00:43:20.320 --> 00:43:24.400 that new and wonderful life with you. 00:43:26.159 --> 00:43:33.960 Lord, may we greatly rejoice, stunned and full of wonder 00:43:33.960 --> 00:43:38.220 at your munificence, at your magnificence. 00:43:38.219 --> 00:43:45.639 We thank you, Lord, for this token that sets it forth, 00:43:46.259 --> 00:43:50.319 your gift for us, life indeed. 00:43:51.519 --> 00:43:54.099 We thank you. Amen. 00:43:54.099 --> 00:43:55.099 Amen. 00:43:55.099 --> 00:43:57.099 Amen. 00:43:58.099 --> 00:43:59.099 Amen. 00:44:02.799 --> 00:44:03.299 Amen. 00:44:03.960 --> 00:44:05.579 Amen. 00:44:05.639 --> 00:44:06.000 Yea, yea. 00:44:14.079 --> 00:44:14.880 Amen. 00:44:18.920 --> 00:44:19.299 Amen. 00:44:19.300 --> 00:44:49.280 Thank you.