Almighty God, send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts that He may rule and direct us according to Your will, comfort us in all our temptations and afflictions, defend us from all error, and lead us into all truth that we, being steadfast in faith, may increase in all good works and in the end obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Read Psalm 41
David is sick (v. 1-4) and he is betrayed (v. 5-13). Why is David allowed to suffer so? God doesn't give us the answer. But in David, he does give us an example of what to do when we are suffering. We are to confess our sin, which David does in v. 4, and then we trust God, even as David could proclaim "You have upheld me" (v. 12).
David suffers and is betrayed. In this way he is a type of Christ. For who has suffered more and has had a more bitter betrayal than Jesus?
"Jesus quotes v. 9 in John 13:18, referring to Judas' imminent betrayal. The psalm is messianic, because it foreshadows in the person of David our Lord's ministry, betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. As great David's great Son, Jesus would experience betrayal like David did. Judas sat with Jesus at the Last Supper and even received bread from Jesus' hand. Could there be a more bitter betrayal?" (TLSB, p. 886).
Read Genesis 44
Joseph's final test of the brothers is too much for them. When Benjamin is found with the "stolen" cup they all tear their clothes. This was an outward sign of an inner reality. Their hearts were stricken with grief (as Joel encourages repentance, saying, "Rend your hearts, not your garments" in Joel 2:13).
Their sorrow and contrition is genuine. They are not content to let Benjamin become a servant. If that is unavoidable, then they will all stay and be servants with them. Judah, now the spokesman and leader of the brothers petitions Joseph, begging and pleading and explaining to him. Judah becomes a mediator between the lord and judge Joseph and the one accused.
Should we be surprised? Judah's descendant, Jesus, would be a greater mediator between a fiercer Judge (the Father) and a worse sinner, for we are not falsely accused.
In the end, the brothers pass the test, and Joseph breaks down with loud weeping. Even with the Egyptians in another room they hear the cathartic outburst of emotion from Joseph. His brothers then also weep.
So too should we long for such reconciliation! What a blessing for someone to repent and say "I am sorry!" What a blessing for another to say, "I forgive you. I love you." Though, sadly, this does not happen enough, it does happen by the grace of God. It can happen in your life too.
And how long did it take in Joseph's life? Well, he's been working for Pharaoh for 9 years now. How long was he in jail, and before that, working for Potiphar? This has been a long road.
If you are in the midst of that long road, and reconciliation with a mother, father, brother, sister, or friend seems a long way off, be encouraged by this story. Let it soften your heart to love the one who hurt you, and the one that you hurt. Be ready to apologize. Be ready to forgive. The love of Christ is in you. Rely on his strength, and he will help you. He has promised to be with you.
And remember, reconciliation between you and God seemed impossible. In fact, "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26). And Jesus made the impossible possible on the cross. If God can reconcile us to him, though we had rebelled and fallen far short of his glory, then God can certainly reconcile us to one another. Thanks be to God!
Ask Yourself:
To whom do I need to apologize? Am I ready to apologize? Who will strengthen me?
Whom do I need to forgive? Am I ready to forgive? Who will strengthen me?
Like King David, do I confess my sin and then rely on his strength daily?
Pray:
Jesus, You gave Yourself for us and made known the Father's loving heart. Turn us from sin, selfishness, and alienation to live for You, as you have died for us. Amen. (TLSB p. 85).
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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