Daily Reading: Genesis 45
Scripture Focus: And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. (Genesis 45.5)
Devotional Thought: There is a proper time for remorse, and there is a time to leave regret behind. Joseph's brothers were guilty to the core, and they knew it. For years their sin against Joseph remained hidden. They were living a lie, and I imagine that they often felt fear that they would be caught, that their father Jacob would find out the truth, and that they would pay for what they had done. Now, confronted by their brother, the full impact of their sin gave them great fear. More importantly, it was cause for great remorse. It was good for them.
Consider our need for remorse. Without proper remorse, we are unable to recognize our sins, much less repent from them. If we have no recognition that we are guilty before God, we will be haughty in our approach to him. It is the humble in heart who find the mercy of God. I believe that we have robbed a generation of young people in America today by alleviating their remorse before they even feel it. We don't want anybody to feel bad! But when we never face our error, we will continue in it.
We need to go there, but God does not want us to stay there. By faith, we are to leave our regrets behind and live in joyful freedom. We cannot go back and relive the past. Many things we have done cannot be undone. But, from this day forward, God gives new life. We need to accept that new life and go on. Remember, in everything, God is working for your good if you love him.
Joseph told his brothers as much. I believe that God is greater than Joseph, don't you? Leave your past behind!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that your mercy is everlasting. As you have forgiven me, help me to leave my past behind and live in the freedom and fullness of your love. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 1 O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old: 2 you with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted; you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free; 3 for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them. 4 You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob! 5 Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us. 6 For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. 7 But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. 8 In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah (Psalms 44:1-8)
Comments