Living on Mission with Joseph and the Whole Family

Living on Mission with Joseph and the Whole Family     

Our story this week is filled with joyful moments.

Can you imagine how Jacob felt when he heard that Joseph was alive? After years of pain and anguish, he really couldn’t believe it at first. It took a while for the reality to set in that he would actually see his beloved son again.

Joseph was so happy that he sent his brothers on their way with new clothes and plenty of provisions for their journey. (And no surprises tucked in the sacks this time!) He was overjoyed and moved to tears at the sight of his father.

Even Pharaoh got in on the joy. He followed Joseph’s lead and started giving gifts to everyone.

“Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!” (Psalm 133:1)

This entire scene could have gone very differently.

What if Jacob had lashed out in anger at his sons for their deplorable behavior for so many years?

What if Joseph was filled with pride and sought revenge for the wasted years?

What if Pharaoh was not feeling so generous with his land and his servant?

Reconciliation is not easy. Reuniting can be painful. Mercy, grace, and forgiveness come at a price. If we are going to live on mission, we’ll have to remember that. This mission can get messy. We will have to be willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and love where it is not deserved, serve those we’d rather ignore, and be radically generous by denying our own desires. Why would we do this? Is it worth the cost?

Yes, it is! Jesus showed us the way. He and His Father started this redemption and reconciliation business. Now we are charged with running the shop. “For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19) Oh, and we have all of the power and resources we need. The Holy Spirit is our guide, advisor, and helper.

There is great joy to be had when reconciliation happens. Let's gather up all the joy we can by reuniting with long lost family and friends. Let's share the Good News that God has reconciled us to Himself in Jesus!

Let’s practice Living on Mission and enjoy relationship reconciliation freely with the whole family.

Pastor Angela