Headlines   News       Link to Home Page

-Small Groups -  Click here for information or to sign up for a Small Group

-The Music Man will be presented as our fall theatrical event...click here (www.ChristMemorialProductions.org) for full details and audition information. 

      Performances: November 13, 14,15 at 7:30 pm and November 16 at 2:00.

      Auditions: August 16 and 17 from 1- 5 PM..

Devotions

Joseph

Merciful

Readings: Genesis 50:15-21 and 1 John 1:9

Joseph had every right to be furious—not only for what his brothers did to him, but also for what they did to their father. His brothers sold him into slavery for a few pieces of silver (Gen. 37:28). Then to make things even worse, they broke their father’s heart, when they lied to him saying that a wild beast killed his youngest son (Gen. 37:31-35).

Many years later Joseph was in position for revenge. He had become the second most powerful person in all Egypt (Gen. 41:40). He could have them all thrown into prison or even executed. Their lives were in his hands. They were terrified and rightfully so.

So also, Christ could throw us into everlasting punishment. We have wronged Him and His Father. We have not loved Him with our whole heart. Our faith is weak and inconsistent. Our love for others is marred by selfishness. We have every right to be terrified of God and of His just retribution. We deserve only His wrath and punishment (Eph. 2:1-3).

Yet, what did Joseph do to his brothers? He did not punish them as they deserved. He showed mercy rather than revenge. Moved to tears by his love and compassion, he forgave their sins, told them they had no need to fear, and assured them of his future care (Gen. 50:17-21). Here we have a beautiful picture of the mercy that is ours in Jesus Christ.

Like Joseph, Jesus also was handed over for a few pieces of silver (Matt. 26:15). Like Joseph, Jesus is also in a position of authority (Matt. 28:18, Phil. 2:9-11). Like Joseph, Jesus with a heart overflowing with mercy, bestows His forgiveness on those who have wronged Him and His Father. Where Joseph’s brothers and we deserved only punishment, we received grace instead (Ps. 103:8- 11).

We may rightfully fear God. But such fear is unnecessary (1 John 4:18). Through Jesus, we receive God’s mercy and compassion. The Bible does not tell us the brothers’ reaction to the mercy of Joseph. We can only imagine that their fear was replaced with an exuberant joy and thanksgiving.

Because of Jesus, the joy of having God’s mercy is ours. It is a joy that is ours everyday. It is a joy in which we live (Is. 61:7). May the Lord help us to show mercy on others as freely as He has shown mercy on us (Matt. 18:21-34).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your mercy and compassion are so much more than I deserve. I could never adequately thank You for all the love You have shown me. Accept my life as a small token of appreciation. Because of You, eternal joy fills my heart. Amen.