July 1st: Genesis 42:26-38
Genesis 42:26-38
Jacob's sons had acted wickedly. They had considered killing their brother Joseph, then decided to sell him into slavery.
The weight of that sin and the constant reminder of their actions because of their father's grief must have been a terrible burden.
Now, as they are heading back from Egypt after their strange encounter with a man they didn't know was actually their brother Joseph, the brothers made an unexpected discovery. The money they had brought to use in purchasing the food they needed had been put back into their bags! They certainly didn't deserve this!
They had received mercy from Joseph. He didn't treat them according to what they deserved, but instead with a kindness that was undeserved.
It's much the same with the Lord. God doesn't give us what we deserve, because if we received the just punishment for all of our sin there would be no hope. But instead He not only forgives our sins, but He gives us undeserved gifts on top of it! He gives us eternal life, His love, His care, the right to be called His children, and so much more!
And all of this, entirely out of undeserved love.
We're reminded of this truth in Luther's explanation to the First Article of the Apostles' Creed.
All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.
Jacob's sons had acted wickedly. They had considered killing their brother Joseph, then decided to sell him into slavery.
The weight of that sin and the constant reminder of their actions because of their father's grief must have been a terrible burden.
Now, as they are heading back from Egypt after their strange encounter with a man they didn't know was actually their brother Joseph, the brothers made an unexpected discovery. The money they had brought to use in purchasing the food they needed had been put back into their bags! They certainly didn't deserve this!
They had received mercy from Joseph. He didn't treat them according to what they deserved, but instead with a kindness that was undeserved.
It's much the same with the Lord. God doesn't give us what we deserve, because if we received the just punishment for all of our sin there would be no hope. But instead He not only forgives our sins, but He gives us undeserved gifts on top of it! He gives us eternal life, His love, His care, the right to be called His children, and so much more!
And all of this, entirely out of undeserved love.
We're reminded of this truth in Luther's explanation to the First Article of the Apostles' Creed.
All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.
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