Dominoes of Life

During busy or stressful times in life, what things are you most apt to forget?
As you reflect on your outlook on life, are you more likely to:

• Be more positive, or more negative?
• Greet others with joy, or just be cordial?
• Make things happen, or allow things to happen?
• Remember the things people have hurt you, or forgive and move on?

There is an interesting character in the Bible named Joseph. We know a lot about him; too much to share in this space. Here’s a brief summary to bring us to our main topic:

• Joseph’s brothers were jealous of his relationship with their father.
• They sold him into slavery in Egypt.
• God blessed Joseph and put him into a role of influence in Egypt.
• The brothers lost track of Joseph.
• The brothers came to Egypt to buy food because their land was experiencing famine.
• Joseph recognized them, hid his true identity from them, and even made life rough for the brothers for awhile.

Now we pick up the story from the Bible, as Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers:
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.
Then 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! And 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.   Genesis 45:1-5

How could Joseph embrace his brothers after what they had done to him? As Joseph reveals his true identity, how does he also comment on who God is?

Picture this: You have a box of dominoes. You set them up, and when you are finished, you knock down the first one. What happens? Think about the actions of the brothers, and then the actions of Joseph. Try to finish this sentence for both: “The dominoes are like forgiveness in that…”

 Now describe how God’s actions are like the dominoes.
Our offering forgiveness is not dependent on the other person’s response.

When you have the opportunity to forgive others, do you:

• Avoid the issue?
• Make sure they understand just how badly they hurt you?
• Feel relieved to get to address the conflict out in the open?
• Enjoy repairing a strained relationship?

Joseph saw God’s control in every aspect of his life. In what areas of your life do you struggle to see God in control?  

Promises from God:
“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”  Isaiah 65:24
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:2-3
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

4832 Ponderings:

• To whom do you need to show God’s love today?
• Is there someone you have hurt that you need to talk to?