10.30.07 RE:ading – Genesis 45:1-46:4; 47:11, 49:33 & 50:14-21

RE:flect

The God of heaven—rich in mercy, slow to anger, abounding in Grace. And what of those who are captured by his heart? What of those who hear his call to faith, to live a life of total trust—even when it does not make sense? What are they like? What are they like when things don’t go well? What is it like when we experience the worst of life and do not see the deliverance yet—if ever—if at all? What is Joseph like?

Joseph is also rich in mercy, slow to anger, abounding in grace. And how has this happened? How could this man see through circumstance? How can he forgive, display patience or no anger at all? How can he care to give GRACE to his brothers—to look for their best when they sold him to be a slave?

It is truly remarkable. Be HOLY for I am HOLY. God is HOLY in two ways:
(1) He is otherly, all together different from anything created… he is an uncreated spirit.
(2) He is good, all together perfect, good, and is trustworthy. There is no lie in him, he is TRUTH. And he acts accordingly. He cannot be anything but himself—beauty, perfection and holiness

RE:act

When God asks us to be HOLY like he is holy—he is asking us to be like him. Not to try to create, or judge, or heal or give revelation. No, he is not created, not bound by the limitations of a created thing. However we are unique in all of creation cause we are suppose to be LIKE him in the way he loves, makes decisions, rules,etc. It cannot happen with out him. Listen to me closely here. True forgiveness, true grace, true tolerance, true peace and true love cannot be displayed and appreciated apart from the Creator of the Universe.

Joseph is displaying the attitude and actions that God would have all of humanity to display. Again we must ask ourselves, “What is God’s will for me?” The answer is plain here. We forgive and work towards peoples best interest not because of them (not betting on their eventually repentance and friendship again). Nope. We must do good (godliness) because we are made to display God’s qualities of love, passion, peace and justice. As it has been said before, "God loves because of who he is, not be cause of who we are." Joseph forgave his brothers for their sin and could see how God used this motivation to save entire peoples. Joseph brings glory to the God of his fore-fathers by being like that God.

RE:ply

Lord, (1) I want to be like you

(2) I need to again want to be like you

(3) I fail so much in trying to be like you

(4) I am sick of relying on my own energy to be like you

Lord (1) I want you to form my heart to have a desire to be holy like you are holy

(2) I need your grace to forgive and to give me the power to be holy, to follow your command

(3) I need to see that I can accomplish this and more with you. That I need to relax in the power of your spirit in reflecting your image and glorifying you.

(4) I can’t do it. I am making it a mess. My image of God is lesser than you, is not worthy much of the time to be called “Christian”.

Lord. Help me to rely less on myself to try to fix my problems. Help me to realize you are unlimited in your resources for me. Only you have all the time for me. Only you have the power that can help me. Only you will do. I am complete when I am yours.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” (2 Peter 3:9-12)