God's Mighty Men I have a Daily Devotional that I read every day from the Duck Commander – it is awesome… Willie just wrote a series of Devotionals about Joseph and it is one more person that reminded about our GMM 2014 Men’s Conference Theme… You will see me writing about this theme up to May 3rd.
“Radical Truth and Grace” As you know the story of Joseph and the Jealousy of his brothers had towards him, because of their father’s favoritism towards him… Eventually they kidnapped him – dumped him in a pit – but then sold him into Slavery. Some of us who have younger Brothers can relate to the Brothers and may have done the same if we could. My youngest Brother was also favored – and by my Grand Parents also…. but we did not hurt him too much.
But now Joseph was different in another way – the Lord was with Joseph the whole time he was in captivity and he prospered in his circumstances…
Genesis: 39: 2 & 3 – 2The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did…………….
The same can be for us if our focus is on Christ and we are in his word…. we can prosper through all the tough times and temptations. When we look at the truth that Christ has given us and are obedient to his calling for us – we will be successful. This is the Radical Truth of Joseph – he believed in the Lords calling on him and was Obedient to the path that was given to him.
Now comes the Radical Grace part of Joseph… As you know the rest of the story – famine came upon the country and eventually his brothers had come to him for help. Joseph had a choice to make – and he had the power to administer justice to his brothers and they would be deserving of it. But what was his response???
Genesis 45: 4 > 7: 4Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. A
How many of us could have done what Joseph did – giving Grace to your brothers who do not deserve it. But like Joseph we can do the same – Christ has given us the example of what Radical Grace truly is.
- Can we look back and see God’s hand at work in our Lives?
- Can we respond the same way as Joseph did?
- Can we see Joy through all the trials and temptations that are put in our path?
As you start your week – look at the story of Joseph and compare it to what Christ might have in store for you – but then make it your goal to respond as Joseph did – IN Obedience!!
“Radical Truth and Grace”
Bobbyg
