Fear, Lies and Tears

Gen 50:16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

The fearful brothers send a message to Joseph hiding under a lie … a command to forgive by Jacob. Joseph knew it was a lie. He had spent many private moments with Jacob and not once was this issue raised by his father. Joseph wept. Why? Here was someone who had given his entire life for them. It is painful to Joseph that his brothers could not understand the love he had for them. Joseph was their friend who was given for them …yet they still doubted him. If God could give us His only begotten son for our salvation, why do we still find it difficult to receive the love of God. Why do we think God will not forgive us – when he said Christ has paid it all. Two cannot pay for the same offence. Jesus paid. We are free. Joseph also paid …his brothers can receive that salvation. It is sad that we still distrust the love and generosity of God after all God has done …giving us His Son.

Why do we come with lies, vows we cannot keep – to cover our fears … why can we not be frank and come as we are heavy laden with fear and doubts … just simply surrendering to Christ who understands our weak frame. We want things to be complicated. The real issue was the perceived absence of the strong leadership of Jacob and the emerging fears. As you reflect on this devotional – consider that the God of Jacob is in control … and even all strong men can die, fall or leave … Jesus remains the same …yesterday, today and forever. Come clean to Jesus who says … He will forgive. Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest



Song.

Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not – To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about – With many a conflict, many a doubt,

Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need in Thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down;

Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love the breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,

Here for a season, then above, O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Prayer : Lord I come to you laden with fears. Let me see your redeeming love afresh. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa