Page 64 - Living Light 90

62
Wednesday November 12 - In all authority
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.” Genesis 41:39
While in prison, Joseph grew in reputation as an accurate interpreter of dreams. Eventually he was summoned by Pharaoh to perform this service for him. After first declaring that he was merely a mouthpiece from God himself, he successfully interpreted the dream. Pharaoh’s response was to give God the glory and appoint Joseph to the highest position in the land. He had come a long way since being thrown into that well by his brothers! Pharaoh respected the authority that Joseph had. This is also a common theme in the Gospels. Those in authority often saw a greater authority in Jesus himself, such as the centurion who came to Jesus to ask him to heal his paralysed servant: “But just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8).
In Titus 2:15, Paul says, ‘Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.’ We Christians, speaking as we do in the name of Jesus, have this authority from God. We need to act in boldness when demonstrating this, to be good witnesses for our Saviour. Let others see Jesus in us. Our culture, unfortunately, doesn’t encourage this and will always try to discourage those who seek to speak openly into situations. But nevertheless we are told to do so. “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness” (Acts 4:29). Good advice, indeed.
Father in heaven, please help me to speak boldly with your authority. Amen.
Thursday November 13 - Undeserved forgiveness
“I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Genesis 45:3
Yes, Joseph’s brothers had done a bad thing all those years ago, selling him to those traders. They were full of fear when Joseph revealed himself to them. He had every right to punish them, although he had teased them mercilessly before the grand reveal! Instead, he showed his maturity through these words, “...because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” (Genesis 45:5). The experience had drawn him closer to God and he was able to forgive them all, as undeserving as they were.
Jesus, too, was badly treated by his fellow Jews, but was always ready to forgive them, even when he was dying on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Both Jesus and Joseph trod a lonely path as they fulfilled their mission, but both acted in the assurance that they were doing their Father’s will.
We live in a hostile world and sometimes even those closest to us can and do let us down. As hard as it will be, we have to be forgiving to others – something that’s easier on paper than it is in reality. But we are reminded in Colossians 3:23, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.’ Keep your eyes on Jesus the whole time and always do your best, however difficult it may be.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, please help me to have a forgiving spirit. Amen.