St Andrew's Church, Ramsbottom

#WatchAndPray Lent reflections - Week 2: Weekend

Lent

#WatchAndPray Lent reflections - Week 2: Weekend

The God who moves

Week 2: Weekend

Reading

Genesis 50.15-21

Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, ‘What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?’ So they approached Joseph, saying, ‘Your father gave this instruction before he died, “Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.” Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.’ Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, ‘We are here as your slaves.’ But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.’ In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.

Reflection

We come to the end of the Book of Genesis. We also come to the conclusion of Joseph’s story. What began in family trauma and betrayal, now ends in the most spectacular display of forgiveness and love between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph who was once a slave, then a prisoner, is now the most powerful person in Egypt apart from the Pharaoh.

There is a wider consideration. His forefather Abram once moved to Egypt because of famine. He is now the preserver of his kinsfolk who are in the midst of another famine.

An even wider lens reveals that all along, God had been moving through their generations to bring about peacefulness and flourishing, despite the hardships, conflicts, and trauma. God is the God who moves – ahead of, alongside and behind his people.

Watch

Remind yourself of moments of clarity and forgiveness in your life.

...and pray

for wisdom to discern God's larger purpose for your life.