Can You Forgive?

My wife has a lot of talents and skills My wife has a lot of talents and skills and she knows me really well and over and she knows me really well and over and she knows me really well and over time she has learned how to use that to time she has learned how to use that to time she has learned how to use that to her advantage. Uh let me illustrate. A her advantage. Uh let me illustrate. A her advantage. Uh let me illustrate. A couple months ago, I was on a missions couple months ago, I was on a missions couple months ago, I was on a missions trip and uh about a day and a half trip and uh about a day and a half trip and uh about a day and a half before I got back, I called my wife and before I got back, I called my wife and before I got back, I called my wife and I said, "Bth," I said, "Uh, I hope I I said, "Bth," I said, "Uh, I hope I I said, "Bth," I said, "Uh, I hope I have some time from when I land to get have some time from when I land to get have some time from when I land to get you a gift for Mother's Day." Which was you a gift for Mother's Day." Which was you a gift for Mother's Day." Which was a day and a half away. And she said, a day and a half away. And she said, a day and a half away. And she said, "Oh, you don't need to worry about me. "Oh, you don't need to worry about me. "Oh, you don't need to worry about me. You don't need to buy me a Mother's Day You don't need to buy me a Mother's Day You don't need to buy me a Mother's Day gift." I said, "Yes, I do." She said, gift." I said, "Yes, I do." She said, gift." I said, "Yes, I do." She said, "No, no, no." I said, "You deserve "No, no, no." I said, "You deserve "No, no, no." I said, "You deserve anything that you want." And she said, anything that you want." And she said, anything that you want." And she said, "I know how busy you've been lately, "I know how busy you've been lately, "I know how busy you've been lately, baby doll." And then she said, "So perhaps I can And then she said, "So perhaps I can just go and pick something out and you just go and pick something out and you just go and pick something out and you can just say that's what you gave me for can just say that's what you gave me for can just say that's what you gave me for Mother's Day." Mother's Day." Mother's Day." And I said, "Oh, wow." I said, "You And I said, "Oh, wow." I said, "You And I said, "Oh, wow." I said, "You would be willing to do that for me? would be willing to do that for me? would be willing to do that for me? You're so kind." And unknowingly in that You're so kind." And unknowingly in that You're so kind." And unknowingly in that instant, I had walked right into her instant, I had walked right into her instant, I had walked right into her trap.

trap. trap. And she went on to say, "Well, in fact, And she went on to say, "Well, in fact, And she went on to say, "Well, in fact, I bought it yesterday." And I said, "Well, what did you get me?" And I said, "Well, what did you get me?" And she said, "Well, you spent a little And she said, "Well, you spent a little And she said, "Well, you spent a little more than you normally do more than you normally do more than you normally do because you knew that I would love it." because you knew that I would love it." because you knew that I would love it." And when I started to object, she And when I started to object, she And when I started to object, she started pointing out how much gasoline started pointing out how much gasoline started pointing out how much gasoline money she had saved me. And she said, money she had saved me. And she said, money she had saved me. And she said, "And Dave," she said, "you know, your "And Dave," she said, "you know, your "And Dave," she said, "you know, your time is so valuable." Oh, okay. All time is so valuable." Oh, okay. All time is so valuable." Oh, okay. All right. Did I just get played? Right. right. Did I just get played? Right. right. Did I just get played? Right. I'll let you decide. Evidently, this is I'll let you decide. Evidently, this is I'll let you decide. Evidently, this is what I got her. A rug, some flowers and what I got her. A rug, some flowers and what I got her. A rug, some flowers and plants for the yard, three pair of plants for the yard, three pair of plants for the yard, three pair of athletic shorts, a doormat, and two athletic shorts, a doormat, and two athletic shorts, a doormat, and two lamps for the house. So, you tell me, lamps for the house. So, you tell me, lamps for the house. So, you tell me, right? Uh, yeah, that's female clapping right? Uh, yeah, that's female clapping right? Uh, yeah, that's female clapping right there. I know that right there. I know that right there. I know that I know all the ladies are very proud of I know all the ladies are very proud of I know all the ladies are very proud of her. She's good. She's very good. I want her. She's good. She's very good. I want her. She's good. She's very good. I want her to mentor me, right? So, but uh then her to mentor me, right? So, but uh then her to mentor me, right? So, but uh then I find myself this week assigned a title I find myself this week assigned a title I find myself this week assigned a title from Kyle on healing hurts in our lives from Kyle on healing hurts in our lives from Kyle on healing hurts in our lives and uh I'm find myself wondering how do and uh I'm find myself wondering how do and uh I'm find myself wondering how do I get over the pain of the past? I would I get over the pain of the past? I would I get over the pain of the past? I would never take advantage of my wife like never take advantage of my wife like never take advantage of my wife like that. I think you know me well enough, that. I think you know me well enough, that. I think you know me well enough, right? But that's usually what happens right? But that's usually what happens right? But that's usually what happens in our life. When when we wrong someone in our life. When when we wrong someone in our life. When when we wrong someone else, we tend to downplay it and we're else, we tend to downplay it and we're else, we tend to downplay it and we're very lenient on our own mistakes and very lenient on our own mistakes and very lenient on our own mistakes and say, "Well, nobody's perfect." But when say, "Well, nobody's perfect." But when say, "Well, nobody's perfect." But when somebody does something to us, all of a

somebody does something to us, all of a somebody does something to us, all of a sudden, that's when it's different. And sudden, that's when it's different. And sudden, that's when it's different. And it's the story that Joseph endured for it's the story that Joseph endured for it's the story that Joseph endured for some 22 years. By way of review, Joseph some 22 years. By way of review, Joseph some 22 years. By way of review, Joseph was Jacob's favorite son, the child of was Jacob's favorite son, the child of was Jacob's favorite son, the child of Rachel, Jacob's favorite wife. His Rachel, Jacob's favorite wife. His Rachel, Jacob's favorite wife. His brothers resented the special treatment brothers resented the special treatment brothers resented the special treatment and gifts that Joseph received. Over 20 and gifts that Joseph received. Over 20 and gifts that Joseph received. Over 20 years earlier, they had thrown Joseph years earlier, they had thrown Joseph years earlier, they had thrown Joseph into a dry sistern, intending to leave into a dry sistern, intending to leave into a dry sistern, intending to leave him there to die. But when a caravan of him there to die. But when a caravan of him there to die. But when a caravan of slave traders came by, they decided slave traders came by, they decided slave traders came by, they decided rather than kill him, let's make a rather than kill him, let's make a rather than kill him, let's make a profit off of him. So, they sold him profit off of him. So, they sold him profit off of him. So, they sold him into slavery. into slavery. into slavery. 13 years later, Joseph somehow had risen 13 years later, Joseph somehow had risen 13 years later, Joseph somehow had risen to serve an Egyptian official. But when to serve an Egyptian official. But when to serve an Egyptian official. But when the official's wife repeatedly tried to the official's wife repeatedly tried to the official's wife repeatedly tried to seduce him, Joseph refused, saying, "How seduce him, Joseph refused, saying, "How seduce him, Joseph refused, saying, "How could I do such a wicked thing and sin could I do such a wicked thing and sin could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" against God?" against God?" What was the reward for his integrity? What was the reward for his integrity? What was the reward for his integrity? Well, the spurned woman falsely accused Well, the spurned woman falsely accused Well, the spurned woman falsely accused him and Joseph was thrown into prison. him and Joseph was thrown into prison. him and Joseph was thrown into prison. But all along, God was quietly unfolding But all along, God was quietly unfolding But all along, God was quietly unfolding his plan. Last week, if you missed his plan. Last week, if you missed his plan. Last week, if you missed Kyle's message, it was a masterpiece.

Kyle's message, it was a masterpiece. Kyle's message, it was a masterpiece. You need to go back and and check it You need to go back and and check it You need to go back and and check it out. It blended the 250th anniversary of out. It blended the 250th anniversary of out. It blended the 250th anniversary of America with Genesis 41. And he shared America with Genesis 41. And he shared America with Genesis 41. And he shared that Joseph is brought out of prison to that Joseph is brought out of prison to that Joseph is brought out of prison to interpret Pharaoh's dream. And Joseph interpret Pharaoh's dream. And Joseph interpret Pharaoh's dream. And Joseph said, "I can't interpret it, but God said, "I can't interpret it, but God said, "I can't interpret it, but God can." And with God's help, he explained, can." And with God's help, he explained, can." And with God's help, he explained, "Here's the meaning. There will be seven "Here's the meaning. There will be seven "Here's the meaning. There will be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of abundance followed by seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine." And Pharaoh embraced years of famine." And Pharaoh embraced years of famine." And Pharaoh embraced Joseph's interpretation and his Joseph's interpretation and his Joseph's interpretation and his strategy. And he put Joseph in charge of strategy. And he put Joseph in charge of strategy. And he put Joseph in charge of storing grain during those good seven storing grain during those good seven storing grain during those good seven years so that the nation would be able years so that the nation would be able years so that the nation would be able to survive the hard ones. And suddenly to survive the hard ones. And suddenly to survive the hard ones. And suddenly this former prisoner had authority over this former prisoner had authority over this former prisoner had authority over all of Egypt to decide who it was that all of Egypt to decide who it was that all of Egypt to decide who it was that received food. What had looked like received food. What had looked like received food. What had looked like Joseph's greatest setback became God's Joseph's greatest setback became God's Joseph's greatest setback became God's greatest setup. When seven years of greatest setup. When seven years of greatest setup. When seven years of plenty came and went and then two years plenty came and went and then two years plenty came and went and then two years into this massive famine, Egypt had into this massive famine, Egypt had into this massive famine, Egypt had become the bread basket of the world.

become the bread basket of the world. become the bread basket of the world. People are coming from everywhere to People are coming from everywhere to People are coming from everywhere to have an audience with Joseph in hopes have an audience with Joseph in hopes have an audience with Joseph in hopes that he would give them grain for their that he would give them grain for their that he would give them grain for their family. But then one day in Genesis 42 family. But then one day in Genesis 42 family. But then one day in Genesis 42 in Canaan, Jacob says to his sons, "I in Canaan, Jacob says to his sons, "I in Canaan, Jacob says to his sons, "I want you all to go to this guy who's want you all to go to this guy who's want you all to go to this guy who's giving out the grain and see if he'll giving out the grain and see if he'll giving out the grain and see if he'll have mercy on our family and give us have mercy on our family and give us have mercy on our family and give us grain." So 10 of Joseph's brothers went grain." So 10 of Joseph's brothers went grain." So 10 of Joseph's brothers went to Egypt. They brought silver that their to Egypt. They brought silver that their to Egypt. They brought silver that their dad sent with them. Thought the silver dad sent with them. Thought the silver dad sent with them. Thought the silver might butter him up a little bit. And might butter him up a little bit. And might butter him up a little bit. And guess who it is that they appear before? guess who it is that they appear before? guess who it is that they appear before? You got it. Joseph and they find You got it. Joseph and they find You got it. Joseph and they find themselves right there and they come themselves right there and they come themselves right there and they come into his presence and they bow down low into his presence and they bow down low into his presence and they bow down low before their brother who they had sold before their brother who they had sold before their brother who they had sold into slavery. Now you'll recall when into slavery. Now you'll recall when into slavery. Now you'll recall when Joseph was a teenager, he said, "I saw a Joseph was a teenager, he said, "I saw a Joseph was a teenager, he said, "I saw a vision of all of you all bowing down to vision of all of you all bowing down to vision of all of you all bowing down to me. That's part of why they wanted to me. That's part of why they wanted to me. That's part of why they wanted to kill him and sell him into slavery." But kill him and sell him into slavery." But kill him and sell him into slavery." But they have no idea that that's who they have no idea that that's who they have no idea that that's who they're bowing down to right now, 22 they're bowing down to right now, 22 they're bowing down to right now, 22 years later. Can you imagine what's years later. Can you imagine what's years later. Can you imagine what's racing through Joseph's mind? hurt, racing through Joseph's mind? hurt, racing through Joseph's mind? hurt, anger, memories, questions. His heart's anger, memories, questions. His heart's anger, memories, questions. His heart's about to pound out of his chest because about to pound out of his chest because about to pound out of his chest because he recognizes them. And now he has the he recognizes them. And now he has the he recognizes them. And now he has the power to get even. He has the power to get even. He has the power to get even. He has the opportunity for revenge.

opportunity for revenge. opportunity for revenge. Or he can respond differently. Or he can respond differently. Or he can respond differently. The brothers would never suspect that The brothers would never suspect that The brothers would never suspect that this is Joseph who they had thrown in this is Joseph who they had thrown in this is Joseph who they had thrown in the pit. He was 17 then, he's 39 now. the pit. He was 17 then, he's 39 now. the pit. He was 17 then, he's 39 now. He's wearing the Egyptian clothing He's wearing the Egyptian clothing He's wearing the Egyptian clothing fitting of a high ranking official. He fitting of a high ranking official. He fitting of a high ranking official. He has a new name. He has a new look. He has a new name. He has a new look. He has a new name. He has a new look. He speaks a different language and he is speaks a different language and he is speaks a different language and he is using an interpreter to talk with them using an interpreter to talk with them using an interpreter to talk with them even though he understands every word even though he understands every word even though he understands every word that they're saying. that they're saying. that they're saying. What would you have done to your What would you have done to your What would you have done to your brothers? H he had 20 years. brothers? H he had 20 years. brothers? H he had 20 years. He had two decades to plot what it was He had two decades to plot what it was He had two decades to plot what it was that he wanted to do to get even with that he wanted to do to get even with that he wanted to do to get even with them. But for some reason, Joseph puts them. But for some reason, Joseph puts them. But for some reason, Joseph puts revenge on the back burner. And instead, revenge on the back burner. And instead, revenge on the back burner. And instead, he is going to go on a covert factf he is going to go on a covert factf he is going to go on a covert factf finding mission. And he's going to put finding mission. And he's going to put finding mission. And he's going to put them through a series of tests to see if them through a series of tests to see if them through a series of tests to see if they are the same jealous, selfish they are the same jealous, selfish they are the same jealous, selfish brothers from 20 years before. And brothers from 20 years before. And brothers from 20 years before. And Joseph shows incredible wisdom and Joseph shows incredible wisdom and Joseph shows incredible wisdom and remarkable restraint. remarkable restraint. remarkable restraint. He finds out through the conversation He finds out through the conversation He finds out through the conversation that their dad is still alive. But they that their dad is still alive. But they that their dad is still alive. But they say there's a younger brother who stayed say there's a younger brother who stayed say there's a younger brother who stayed at home. That's Joseph's full brother.

at home. That's Joseph's full brother. at home. That's Joseph's full brother. That's Joseph's full brother from his That's Joseph's full brother from his That's Joseph's full brother from his mom Rachel. And he's never met this mom Rachel. And he's never met this mom Rachel. And he's never met this younger brother. So, Joseph wants to younger brother. So, Joseph wants to younger brother. So, Joseph wants to determine if they are as jealous of his determine if they are as jealous of his determine if they are as jealous of his full brother Benjamin as they had been full brother Benjamin as they had been full brother Benjamin as they had been of him. And he does something unusual. of him. And he does something unusual. of him. And he does something unusual. He accuses them of being spies and says, He accuses them of being spies and says, He accuses them of being spies and says, "I know why you're here. You're not here "I know why you're here. You're not here "I know why you're here. You're not here for the grain. You're here to check out for the grain. You're here to check out for the grain. You're here to check out where we are unprotected in our land." where we are unprotected in our land." where we are unprotected in our land." And he keeps getting the lay of the land And he keeps getting the lay of the land And he keeps getting the lay of the land and asking them questions. And he's and asking them questions. And he's and asking them questions. And he's putting them on the defensive to see how putting them on the defensive to see how putting them on the defensive to see how they accept it. And then he says, "I'm they accept it. And then he says, "I'm they accept it. And then he says, "I'm going to take one of you into custody." going to take one of you into custody." going to take one of you into custody." And he says, "If you bring this younger And he says, "If you bring this younger And he says, "If you bring this younger brother that you keep talking about back brother that you keep talking about back brother that you keep talking about back with you, then I'll know that you aren't with you, then I'll know that you aren't with you, then I'll know that you aren't spies and I'll give you even more spies and I'll give you even more spies and I'll give you even more grain." Then he wants to see how they grain." Then he wants to see how they grain." Then he wants to see how they treat Benjamin in front of him. treat Benjamin in front of him. treat Benjamin in front of him. Remember, they don't realize that Joseph Remember, they don't realize that Joseph Remember, they don't realize that Joseph can understand their language. Genesis can understand their language. Genesis can understand their language. Genesis 42 21 They said to one another, "Surely 42 21 They said to one another, "Surely 42 21 They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of our we are being punished because of our we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was brother. We saw how distressed he was brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, when he pleaded with us for his life, when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen. That's why this but we would not listen. That's why this but we would not listen. That's why this distress has come on us." Hey, these are distress has come on us." Hey, these are distress has come on us." Hey, these are not references to the new little brother not references to the new little brother not references to the new little brother Benjamin. These are references to 20 Benjamin. These are references to 20 Benjamin. These are references to 20 years before with Joseph when they threw years before with Joseph when they threw years before with Joseph when they threw him in the well and in spite of his him in the well and in spite of his him in the well and in spite of his begging for mercy, they did nothing to begging for mercy, they did nothing to begging for mercy, they did nothing to help him. And now here they stand in help him. And now here they stand in help him. And now here they stand in front of this guy who has the power of front of this guy who has the power of front of this guy who has the power of death and life over them. Joseph's death and life over them. Joseph's death and life over them. Joseph's brothers in this moment are connecting

brothers in this moment are connecting brothers in this moment are connecting their present suffering to how they had their present suffering to how they had their present suffering to how they had treated their longlost brother years treated their longlost brother years treated their longlost brother years before and they are haunted by the before and they are haunted by the before and they are haunted by the memory. memory. memory. Have you ever had a moment in your life Have you ever had a moment in your life Have you ever had a moment in your life where the gravity of your sin overwhelms where the gravity of your sin overwhelms where the gravity of your sin overwhelms you you you and you realize your selfishness is and you realize your selfishness is and you realize your selfishness is breaking the heart of God? breaking the heart of God? breaking the heart of God? And in that instant, the Holy Spirit And in that instant, the Holy Spirit And in that instant, the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin. convicts you of sin. convicts you of sin. Maybe it's that prom that night that you Maybe it's that prom that night that you Maybe it's that prom that night that you still think about. Perhaps it was when still think about. Perhaps it was when still think about. Perhaps it was when that officer said, "You're under arrest that officer said, "You're under arrest that officer said, "You're under arrest for driving under the influence." Or for driving under the influence." Or for driving under the influence." Or maybe it's when your boss said, "That's maybe it's when your boss said, "That's maybe it's when your boss said, "That's two strikes. Next time you're out." two strikes. Next time you're out." two strikes. Next time you're out." Or perhaps it was a moment like this Or perhaps it was a moment like this Or perhaps it was a moment like this when you're sitting in this room and a when you're sitting in this room and a when you're sitting in this room and a scripture is read and in that moment scripture is read and in that moment scripture is read and in that moment God's word pierced through to your heart God's word pierced through to your heart God's word pierced through to your heart and Joseph says, "Okay, I'm going to and Joseph says, "Okay, I'm going to and Joseph says, "Okay, I'm going to keep one of you here as a prisoner until keep one of you here as a prisoner until keep one of you here as a prisoner until you bring that youngest brother back you bring that youngest brother back you bring that youngest brother back with you. If you don't bring this with you. If you don't bring this with you. If you don't bring this younger brother back with you, then no younger brother back with you, then no younger brother back with you, then no grain, no food, no soup for you.

grain, no food, no soup for you. grain, no food, no soup for you. That's a very loose paraphrase. All That's a very loose paraphrase. All That's a very loose paraphrase. All right. right. right. This is Joseph's strategy to observe if This is Joseph's strategy to observe if This is Joseph's strategy to observe if they are jealous of Benjamin like they they are jealous of Benjamin like they they are jealous of Benjamin like they were of him or have they matured. Now were of him or have they matured. Now were of him or have they matured. Now the brothers had brought silver with the brothers had brought silver with the brothers had brought silver with them to exchange for grain. But them to exchange for grain. But them to exchange for grain. But unbeknownst to them, Joseph had their unbeknownst to them, Joseph had their unbeknownst to them, Joseph had their silver put back in their bags. Joseph is silver put back in their bags. Joseph is silver put back in their bags. Joseph is going to play some mind games with them. going to play some mind games with them. going to play some mind games with them. But trust me, his intentions are good. But trust me, his intentions are good. But trust me, his intentions are good. Now, today I'm covering four chapters in Now, today I'm covering four chapters in Now, today I'm covering four chapters in Genesis. All right? And so, I'm going to Genesis. All right? And so, I'm going to Genesis. All right? And so, I'm going to give you four words to summarize 134 give you four words to summarize 134 give you four words to summarize 134 verses. verses. verses. We could sum up chapter 42 with this We could sum up chapter 42 with this We could sum up chapter 42 with this word conviction. word conviction. word conviction. They feel convicted. The brothers are They feel convicted. The brothers are They feel convicted. The brothers are convicted in their hearts. Their guilty convicted in their hearts. Their guilty convicted in their hearts. Their guilty consciences are awakened. Their guilt is consciences are awakened. Their guilt is consciences are awakened. Their guilt is overwhelming them. It's the exact same overwhelming them. It's the exact same overwhelming them. It's the exact same group of 10 brothers who cold-heartedly group of 10 brothers who cold-heartedly group of 10 brothers who cold-heartedly sat and ate their lunch beside a sistern sat and ate their lunch beside a sistern sat and ate their lunch beside a sistern while their brother was begging from the while their brother was begging from the while their brother was begging from the bottom of the sistern for them to spare bottom of the sistern for them to spare bottom of the sistern for them to spare his life. It's been two decades and I his life. It's been two decades and I his life. It's been two decades and I want you to notice that time has not want you to notice that time has not want you to notice that time has not erased their guilt. You know why?

erased their guilt. You know why? erased their guilt. You know why? Because they never owned it. They never Because they never owned it. They never Because they never owned it. They never confessed it. confessed it. confessed it. They concealed it. Now, Joseph is going They concealed it. Now, Joseph is going They concealed it. Now, Joseph is going to continue to conceal his identity to continue to conceal his identity to continue to conceal his identity because he wants to see where this because he wants to see where this because he wants to see where this conviction leads. Over in the New conviction leads. Over in the New conviction leads. Over in the New Testament, we read in 2 Corinthians Testament, we read in 2 Corinthians Testament, we read in 2 Corinthians 7:10, "Godly sorrow brings repentance 7:10, "Godly sorrow brings repentance 7:10, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no that leads to salvation and leaves no that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings regret, but worldly sorrow brings regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." death." death." Well, the brothers return home. They Well, the brothers return home. They Well, the brothers return home. They tell their father Jacob everything that tell their father Jacob everything that tell their father Jacob everything that has happened, all about this powerful has happened, all about this powerful has happened, all about this powerful man. And he says, "Hey, you're not man. And he says, "Hey, you're not man. And he says, "Hey, you're not taking Benjamin back with you." He said, taking Benjamin back with you." He said, taking Benjamin back with you." He said, "I've already lost Joseph. I've already "I've already lost Joseph. I've already "I've already lost Joseph. I've already lost Simeon now, and you want me to send lost Simeon now, and you want me to send lost Simeon now, and you want me to send Benjamin with you? No way. I'm not going Benjamin with you? No way. I'm not going Benjamin with you? No way. I'm not going to lose the only other son that I have to lose the only other son that I have to lose the only other son that I have from Rachel." But in chapter 43, we from Rachel." But in chapter 43, we from Rachel." But in chapter 43, we learned that starvation has a way of learned that starvation has a way of learned that starvation has a way of getting your attention. And the brothers getting your attention. And the brothers getting your attention. And the brothers say, "Dad, we don't have a choice. This say, "Dad, we don't have a choice. This say, "Dad, we don't have a choice. This man in charge said we had to bring our man in charge said we had to bring our man in charge said we had to bring our youngest with us." Chapter 43:8.

youngest with us." Chapter 43:8. youngest with us." Chapter 43:8. Then Judah, that's one of the other Then Judah, that's one of the other Then Judah, that's one of the other brothers. Judah said to Israel, his brothers. Judah said to Israel, his brothers. Judah said to Israel, his father, Israel is another name for father, Israel is another name for father, Israel is another name for Jacob. So Judah says to Jacob, "Send the Jacob. So Judah says to Jacob, "Send the Jacob. So Judah says to Jacob, "Send the boy along with me and we will go at once boy along with me and we will go at once boy along with me and we will go at once so that we and you and our children may so that we and you and our children may so that we and you and our children may live and not die. I myself will live and not die. I myself will live and not die. I myself will guarantee his safety. You can hold me guarantee his safety. You can hold me guarantee his safety. You can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do personally responsible for him. If I do personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him not bring him back to you and set him not bring him back to you and set him before you, I will bear the blame before before you, I will bear the blame before before you, I will bear the blame before you all of my life. He's saying, "Dad, you all of my life. He's saying, "Dad, you all of my life. He's saying, "Dad, you can personally hold me accountable you can personally hold me accountable you can personally hold me accountable on this." And Jacob acquiesces to this on this." And Jacob acquiesces to this on this." And Jacob acquiesces to this request and says, "Okay, okay, but take request and says, "Okay, okay, but take request and says, "Okay, okay, but take some of the best products that we have some of the best products that we have some of the best products that we have here in Canaan and may God grant you here in Canaan and may God grant you here in Canaan and may God grant you mercy before this man." So they load mercy before this man." So they load mercy before this man." So they load back up with the original silver that back up with the original silver that back up with the original silver that they were going to give in order to they were going to give in order to they were going to give in order to butter this guy up. But this time they butter this guy up. But this time they butter this guy up. But this time they take the silver and some delicacies from take the silver and some delicacies from take the silver and some delicacies from the area. Jacob is smart. He wants to the area. Jacob is smart. He wants to the area. Jacob is smart. He wants to them to get on the good side of this them to get on the good side of this them to get on the good side of this powerful man who is now holding his son powerful man who is now holding his son powerful man who is now holding his son Simeon. And so he says, "Grab what Simeon. And so he says, "Grab what Simeon. And so he says, "Grab what whatever Canaan has to offer and take whatever Canaan has to offer and take whatever Canaan has to offer and take it." Now, that got me to thinking this it." Now, that got me to thinking this it." Now, that got me to thinking this past week, what if what if as Southeast past week, what if what if as Southeast past week, what if what if as Southeast campuses, we we had to send something as campuses, we we had to send something as campuses, we we had to send something as an envoy somewhere to butter somebody an envoy somewhere to butter somebody an envoy somewhere to butter somebody up. What might we send? Maybe our up. What might we send? Maybe our up. What might we send? Maybe our Kentucky campuses, we might send some Kentucky campuses, we might send some Kentucky campuses, we might send some honey roasted almonds from Bies, right?

honey roasted almonds from Bies, right? honey roasted almonds from Bies, right? That might be something. Or those from That might be something. Or those from That might be something. Or those from southern Indiana, maybe some cinnamon southern Indiana, maybe some cinnamon southern Indiana, maybe some cinnamon red hots from Shrimp's Confectionary. red hots from Shrimp's Confectionary. red hots from Shrimp's Confectionary. For those in Franklin, Tennessee, maybe For those in Franklin, Tennessee, maybe For those in Franklin, Tennessee, maybe you would send chicken and waffles. for you would send chicken and waffles. for you would send chicken and waffles. for those uh perhaps from Elizabeth Town, those uh perhaps from Elizabeth Town, those uh perhaps from Elizabeth Town, maybe Etown would send an F-150. I I maybe Etown would send an F-150. I I maybe Etown would send an F-150. I I don't know. All right, don't know. All right, don't know. All right, but Jacob's thinking is quite wise in but Jacob's thinking is quite wise in but Jacob's thinking is quite wise in this. And they make the long journey and this. And they make the long journey and this. And they make the long journey and they return to Joseph and he sees them they return to Joseph and he sees them they return to Joseph and he sees them coming and he invites them to his house coming and he invites them to his house coming and he invites them to his house for a feast. Whoa. This is very much the for a feast. Whoa. This is very much the for a feast. Whoa. This is very much the opposite from his first visit where he opposite from his first visit where he opposite from his first visit where he detained them and held them in captivity detained them and held them in captivity detained them and held them in captivity and kept one of the brothers in prison. and kept one of the brothers in prison. and kept one of the brothers in prison. So they bring Simeon out of captivity to So they bring Simeon out of captivity to So they bring Simeon out of captivity to join them for the feast. Joseph begins join them for the feast. Joseph begins join them for the feast. Joseph begins making small talk and nonchalantly asks making small talk and nonchalantly asks making small talk and nonchalantly asks about the family. Tell me, I think you about the family. Tell me, I think you about the family. Tell me, I think you mentioned you all had a dad. How's how's mentioned you all had a dad. How's how's mentioned you all had a dad. How's how's your dad doing? And well, he's good. your dad doing? And well, he's good. your dad doing? And well, he's good. He's good. Genesis 43 29, Joseph looked about and he saw his Joseph looked about and he saw his brother Benjamin, brother Benjamin, brother Benjamin, his own mother's son. He asked, "Is this his own mother's son. He asked, "Is this his own mother's son. He asked, "Is this your youngest brother, the one you told your youngest brother, the one you told your youngest brother, the one you told me about?" He said, "God be gracious to me about?" He said, "God be gracious to me about?" He said, "God be gracious to you, my son." And deeply moved at the you, my son." And deeply moved at the you, my son." And deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried sight of his brother, Joseph hurried sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out, looked for a place to weep. He went out, looked for a place to weep. He went out, looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room, and he wept into his private room, and he wept into his private room, and he wept there.

there. there. Hey, it is difficult for us to imagine Hey, it is difficult for us to imagine Hey, it is difficult for us to imagine the emotions that Joseph is feeling. the emotions that Joseph is feeling. the emotions that Joseph is feeling. It's it's overwhelming and at times he It's it's overwhelming and at times he It's it's overwhelming and at times he had to feel so conflicted. had to feel so conflicted. had to feel so conflicted. And Joseph continues to to play them. And Joseph continues to to play them. And Joseph continues to to play them. And the meal is assigned seating. And And the meal is assigned seating. And And the meal is assigned seating. And Joseph has placed them in order from Joseph has placed them in order from Joseph has placed them in order from oldest to youngest. That's another mind oldest to youngest. That's another mind oldest to youngest. That's another mind game. And get this. Joseph had the chef game. And get this. Joseph had the chef game. And get this. Joseph had the chef and the servers give Benjamin five times and the servers give Benjamin five times and the servers give Benjamin five times the food portions that everyone else the food portions that everyone else the food portions that everyone else received. So, Joseph is just observing received. So, Joseph is just observing received. So, Joseph is just observing to see if favoritism still makes the to see if favoritism still makes the to see if favoritism still makes the brother's blood boil or if they truly brother's blood boil or if they truly brother's blood boil or if they truly love Benjamin and they've changed. We love Benjamin and they've changed. We love Benjamin and they've changed. We could sum up chapter 43 with the word could sum up chapter 43 with the word could sum up chapter 43 with the word repentance. repentance. repentance. Joseph is seeing signs that these guys Joseph is seeing signs that these guys Joseph is seeing signs that these guys have changed. That's the actual meaning have changed. That's the actual meaning have changed. That's the actual meaning of the word repentance. When you repent, of the word repentance. When you repent, of the word repentance. When you repent, you change directions. You're going one you change directions. You're going one you change directions. You're going one way and now you head the other way. In way and now you head the other way. In way and now you head the other way. In the past, you've moved toward jealousy the past, you've moved toward jealousy the past, you've moved toward jealousy and envy, but now you're moving toward and envy, but now you're moving toward and envy, but now you're moving toward mercy and love.

mercy and love. mercy and love. Did you notice that the first time Did you notice that the first time Did you notice that the first time Joseph tested his brothers with Joseph tested his brothers with Joseph tested his brothers with adversity, and now he tests them with adversity, and now he tests them with adversity, and now he tests them with prosperity, with this lavish meal? prosperity, with this lavish meal? prosperity, with this lavish meal? Joseph is observing how they treat one Joseph is observing how they treat one Joseph is observing how they treat one another, especially Benjamin. on this another, especially Benjamin. on this another, especially Benjamin. on this visit. visit. visit. It comes time for them to leave and It comes time for them to leave and It comes time for them to leave and Joseph loads his brothers up with grain, Joseph loads his brothers up with grain, Joseph loads his brothers up with grain, but quietly he says to his steward, but quietly he says to his steward, but quietly he says to his steward, he said, "Put each man's silver back in he said, "Put each man's silver back in he said, "Put each man's silver back in their sack again in each one of them." their sack again in each one of them." their sack again in each one of them." And then he says this, "And hide my And then he says this, "And hide my And then he says this, "And hide my special silver cup in Benjamin's bag." special silver cup in Benjamin's bag." special silver cup in Benjamin's bag." Next morning, brothers head home. Next morning, brothers head home. Next morning, brothers head home. They're on their way home when all of a They're on their way home when all of a They're on their way home when all of a sudden Joseph Steward comes riding up sudden Joseph Steward comes riding up sudden Joseph Steward comes riding up and he says, "Hey." He says, "Why have and he says, "Hey." He says, "Why have and he says, "Hey." He says, "Why have you repaid good with evil? My master's you repaid good with evil? My master's you repaid good with evil? My master's silver cup is missing." And the brothers silver cup is missing." And the brothers silver cup is missing." And the brothers are stunned. They're like, "Well, why are stunned. They're like, "Well, why are stunned. They're like, "Well, why are you looking at us? We we we didn't are you looking at us? We we we didn't are you looking at us? We we we didn't take anything." And this is what they take anything." And this is what they take anything." And this is what they say. If any one of us has the cup, you say. If any one of us has the cup, you say. If any one of us has the cup, you can put them to death.

can put them to death. can put them to death. That's how certain they were. And the That's how certain they were. And the That's how certain they were. And the steward replied, "No, steward replied, "No, steward replied, "No, don't need to put all of you all to don't need to put all of you all to don't need to put all of you all to death. Only the man who has the cup will death. Only the man who has the cup will death. Only the man who has the cup will become my master's slave." They said, become my master's slave." They said, become my master's slave." They said, "Go ahead, search our stuff. Make "Go ahead, search our stuff. Make "Go ahead, search our stuff. Make yourself at home. Knock yourself out." yourself at home. Knock yourself out." yourself at home. Knock yourself out." The brothers are feeling like, "Man, I The brothers are feeling like, "Man, I The brothers are feeling like, "Man, I can't believe it. This guy doesn't trust can't believe it. This guy doesn't trust can't believe it. This guy doesn't trust us." But then the TSA agent comes to the us." But then the TSA agent comes to the us." But then the TSA agent comes to the last bag last bag last bag and it belongs to Benjamin. And in that and it belongs to Benjamin. And in that and it belongs to Benjamin. And in that instant, they dig into Benjamin's bag instant, they dig into Benjamin's bag instant, they dig into Benjamin's bag and out comes Joseph's special silver and out comes Joseph's special silver and out comes Joseph's special silver cup. And the Bible says that the cup. And the Bible says that the cup. And the Bible says that the brothers are so overcome with shock and brothers are so overcome with shock and brothers are so overcome with shock and emotion that they rip their clothes. emotion that they rip their clothes. emotion that they rip their clothes. It's an expression of utter anguish and It's an expression of utter anguish and It's an expression of utter anguish and in disbelief, they start the journey in disbelief, they start the journey in disbelief, they start the journey back to Joseph's house. And when they back to Joseph's house. And when they back to Joseph's house. And when they stand before Joseph, they throw their stand before Joseph, they throw their stand before Joseph, they throw their youngest brother Benjamin down on the youngest brother Benjamin down on the youngest brother Benjamin down on the ground and say, "Here's your thief. He ground and say, "Here's your thief. He ground and say, "Here's your thief. He fooled us, your excellency, but he's an fooled us, your excellency, but he's an fooled us, your excellency, but he's an embarrassment to the family. Make a embarrassment to the family. Make a embarrassment to the family. Make a slave out of him. Take his life. We slave out of him. Take his life. We slave out of him. Take his life. We don't care what you do. No, no, that's don't care what you do. No, no, that's don't care what you do. No, no, that's not what he says.

He says just the opposite. He says just the opposite. They fall down and they bow down before They fall down and they bow down before They fall down and they bow down before Joseph. Joseph. Joseph. And here's what they say. They know And here's what they say. They know And here's what they say. They know Benjamin's life is on the line. Benjamin's life is on the line. Benjamin's life is on the line. They don't want him to have the kind of They don't want him to have the kind of They don't want him to have the kind of slavery that they sold their other slavery that they sold their other slavery that they sold their other brother into. Oh man, I got goosebumps. And somebody steps forward. And somebody steps forward. You know who it is? You know who it is? You know who it is? Judah. Judah. Judah. And Judah steps forward and he speaks. And Judah steps forward and he speaks. And Judah steps forward and he speaks. Remember, he's the one who promised his Remember, he's the one who promised his Remember, he's the one who promised his father. He said, "If anything happens to father. He said, "If anything happens to father. He said, "If anything happens to Benjamin, I'll bear the blame." He says Benjamin, I'll bear the blame." He says Benjamin, I'll bear the blame." He says in verse 16, "What can we say? God has in verse 16, "What can we say? God has in verse 16, "What can we say? God has uncovered our guilt. uncovered our guilt. uncovered our guilt. We are now your slaves." Notice that he We are now your slaves." Notice that he We are now your slaves." Notice that he keeps using we language throughout his keeps using we language throughout his keeps using we language throughout his whole speech. He doesn't say he or him, whole speech. He doesn't say he or him, whole speech. He doesn't say he or him, Benjamin. He says we. He lumps himself Benjamin. He says we. He lumps himself Benjamin. He says we. He lumps himself in. Judah isn't abandoning Benjamin. in. Judah isn't abandoning Benjamin. in. Judah isn't abandoning Benjamin. He's standing with him. Then comes one He's standing with him. Then comes one He's standing with him. Then comes one of the greatest speeches in all of of the greatest speeches in all of of the greatest speeches in all of Genesis. He says, "I guaranteed the Genesis. He says, "I guaranteed the Genesis. He says, "I guaranteed the boy's safety to my father." So he says, boy's safety to my father." So he says, boy's safety to my father." So he says, "Please let your servant remain here as "Please let your servant remain here as "Please let your servant remain here as my lord's slave in place of the boy. Let my lord's slave in place of the boy. Let my lord's slave in place of the boy. Let the boy return home. What Judah is the boy return home. What Judah is the boy return home. What Judah is saying is, "Don't make my father endure saying is, "Don't make my father endure saying is, "Don't make my father endure this heartbreak. Take me instead.

this heartbreak. Take me instead. this heartbreak. Take me instead. Please don't miss this moment." 20 years Please don't miss this moment." 20 years Please don't miss this moment." 20 years earlier, Judah had sold one brother into earlier, Judah had sold one brother into earlier, Judah had sold one brother into slavery to save himself. Now he's slavery to save himself. Now he's slavery to save himself. Now he's willing to become a slave to save his willing to become a slave to save his willing to become a slave to save his brother. It's interesting that it's Judah that It's interesting that it's Judah that speaks up speaks up speaks up because 1700 years later, one of Judah's because 1700 years later, one of Judah's because 1700 years later, one of Judah's descendants would step forward for us. descendants would step forward for us. descendants would step forward for us. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, the spotless lamb of God, would say in the spotless lamb of God, would say in the spotless lamb of God, would say in effect, "Hey, I know the wages of sin is effect, "Hey, I know the wages of sin is effect, "Hey, I know the wages of sin is death." death." death." But he look at his father and say, But he look at his father and say, But he look at his father and say, "Don't punish them. take me instead. take me instead. And he went to the cross and Jesus And he went to the cross and Jesus And he went to the cross and Jesus stayed on the cross because he loves stayed on the cross because he loves stayed on the cross because he loves you. And that's the gospel. The innocent you. And that's the gospel. The innocent you. And that's the gospel. The innocent became the substitute for the guilty so became the substitute for the guilty so became the substitute for the guilty so that the guilty could go free. That's that the guilty could go free. That's that the guilty could go free. That's our story. And in the chapter of 42, the our story. And in the chapter of 42, the our story. And in the chapter of 42, the word was conviction. In 43, it was word was conviction. In 43, it was word was conviction. In 43, it was repentance. In 44, the word is repentance. In 44, the word is repentance. In 44, the word is sacrifice.

sacrifice. sacrifice. If a price needs to be paid, Judah will If a price needs to be paid, Judah will If a price needs to be paid, Judah will pay that price. pay that price. pay that price. He says, "You can take my life instead. He says, "You can take my life instead. He says, "You can take my life instead. I'll be his sacrificial substitute." And I'll be his sacrificial substitute." And I'll be his sacrificial substitute." And it's quite evident to Joseph that these it's quite evident to Joseph that these it's quite evident to Joseph that these brothers are quite different. They're brothers are quite different. They're brothers are quite different. They're not throwing Benjamin under the bus. not throwing Benjamin under the bus. not throwing Benjamin under the bus. They're even willing to take his They're even willing to take his They're even willing to take his punishment. punishment. punishment. Sacrifice is giving up something that Sacrifice is giving up something that Sacrifice is giving up something that you love for something that you love you love for something that you love you love for something that you love more. more. more. And Judah loved Benjamin more than And Judah loved Benjamin more than And Judah loved Benjamin more than himself. himself. himself. Husbands, listen to me. Husbands, listen to me. Husbands, listen to me. Husbands, when you chose to get married, Husbands, when you chose to get married, Husbands, when you chose to get married, you were saying the same thing. you were saying the same thing. you were saying the same thing. Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church wives just as Christ loved the church wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." That's a and gave himself up for her." That's a and gave himself up for her." That's a sacrificial love. sacrificial love. sacrificial love. Christians, Christians, Christians, when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you made the same commitment Savior, you made the same commitment Savior, you made the same commitment that Jesus would be number one, that he that Jesus would be number one, that he that Jesus would be number one, that he sits on the throne, that he calls the sits on the throne, that he calls the sits on the throne, that he calls the shots. That means that you may have to shots. That means that you may have to shots. That means that you may have to sacrifice some things like that sacrifice some things like that sacrifice some things like that promotion where they'll expect you to promotion where they'll expect you to promotion where they'll expect you to cut some ethical corners. your cut some ethical corners. your cut some ethical corners. your popularity with your friends. You might popularity with your friends. You might popularity with your friends. You might to sacrifice that relationship that to sacrifice that relationship that to sacrifice that relationship that seems to be heading toward marriage, but seems to be heading toward marriage, but seems to be heading toward marriage, but it takes you away from the Lord. You it takes you away from the Lord. You it takes you away from the Lord. You might need to sacrifice and give up your might need to sacrifice and give up your might need to sacrifice and give up your reputation as the party animal.

reputation as the party animal. reputation as the party animal. Sacrifice is at the heart of being a Sacrifice is at the heart of being a Sacrifice is at the heart of being a believer. believer. believer. Well, Jesus Joseph Joseph is about to Well, Jesus Joseph Joseph is about to Well, Jesus Joseph Joseph is about to reveal his identity. The moment of truth reveal his identity. The moment of truth reveal his identity. The moment of truth is about to drop the jaws of this group is about to drop the jaws of this group is about to drop the jaws of this group of brothers. Have you ever tried to of brothers. Have you ever tried to of brothers. Have you ever tried to conceal your identity? The timing wasn't conceal your identity? The timing wasn't conceal your identity? The timing wasn't right to reveal who you were or or maybe right to reveal who you were or or maybe right to reveal who you were or or maybe where you work? About a month ago, I was where you work? About a month ago, I was where you work? About a month ago, I was flying back to Louisville after a flying back to Louisville after a flying back to Louisville after a speaking trip and Beth was picking me up speaking trip and Beth was picking me up speaking trip and Beth was picking me up and down at Baggage Claim, I ran into and down at Baggage Claim, I ran into and down at Baggage Claim, I ran into several Southeast families who had been several Southeast families who had been several Southeast families who had been traveling together. Saw a couple that I traveling together. Saw a couple that I traveling together. Saw a couple that I had married about 25 years ago. Saw a had married about 25 years ago. Saw a had married about 25 years ago. Saw a young young gal who I had baptized. cuz young young gal who I had baptized. cuz young young gal who I had baptized. cuz I had fun catching up with about a dozen I had fun catching up with about a dozen I had fun catching up with about a dozen of them. And miraculously, my suitcase of them. And miraculously, my suitcase of them. And miraculously, my suitcase came out quickly. And so I said goodbye came out quickly. And so I said goodbye came out quickly. And so I said goodbye and I headed up the long escalator to and I headed up the long escalator to and I headed up the long escalator to departures because Beth picks me up up departures because Beth picks me up up departures because Beth picks me up up at Departures because there's not as at Departures because there's not as at Departures because there's not as much traffic up there. So as I'm riding much traffic up there. So as I'm riding much traffic up there. So as I'm riding up the escalator, I'm near the top. I'm up the escalator, I'm near the top. I'm up the escalator, I'm near the top. I'm texting Beth and just as I hit send, my texting Beth and just as I hit send, my texting Beth and just as I hit send, my suitcase slips off of the step beside me suitcase slips off of the step beside me suitcase slips off of the step beside me and instantly this hard shell suitcase and instantly this hard shell suitcase and instantly this hard shell suitcase starts heading south, bouncing its way starts heading south, bouncing its way starts heading south, bouncing its way down 24 steps in 3 seconds flat. It down 24 steps in 3 seconds flat. It down 24 steps in 3 seconds flat. It sounds like a series of gunshots.

sounds like a series of gunshots. sounds like a series of gunshots. This is not good. At the bottom, it is This is not good. At the bottom, it is This is not good. At the bottom, it is catapulted out of the narrow chute like catapulted out of the narrow chute like catapulted out of the narrow chute like it had been fired from a cannon. and it it had been fired from a cannon. and it it had been fired from a cannon. and it slides across the tile floor about 15 slides across the tile floor about 15 slides across the tile floor about 15 ft. Praise the Lord that there wasn't a ft. Praise the Lord that there wasn't a ft. Praise the Lord that there wasn't a World Cup soccer player nearby World Cup soccer player nearby World Cup soccer player nearby because if that that suitcase would have because if that that suitcase would have because if that that suitcase would have nudged their leg. Oh, I cannot imagine. nudged their leg. Oh, I cannot imagine. nudged their leg. Oh, I cannot imagine. I cannot imagine the injury that would I cannot imagine the injury that would I cannot imagine the injury that would have occurred from that. Well, I ran up have occurred from that. Well, I ran up have occurred from that. Well, I ran up the final two steps of the escalator and the final two steps of the escalator and the final two steps of the escalator and I turned around. And I started running I turned around. And I started running I turned around. And I started running down the dozens of stairs and I got to a down the dozens of stairs and I got to a down the dozens of stairs and I got to a landing about halfway down and I stopped landing about halfway down and I stopped landing about halfway down and I stopped immediately cuz I realized that there immediately cuz I realized that there immediately cuz I realized that there was a wall shielding me from everyone in was a wall shielding me from everyone in was a wall shielding me from everyone in baggage claim. And I realized if I took baggage claim. And I realized if I took baggage claim. And I realized if I took any more steps, the dozen Southeast any more steps, the dozen Southeast any more steps, the dozen Southeast members who were there would discover members who were there would discover members who were there would discover the identity of the imbecile who had the identity of the imbecile who had the identity of the imbecile who had launched the suitcase heard around the launched the suitcase heard around the launched the suitcase heard around the world. world. world. Well, as I glanced down right before me, Well, as I glanced down right before me, Well, as I glanced down right before me, there are two airport personnel. They there are two airport personnel. They there are two airport personnel. They have encircled my bag. I froze on the have encircled my bag. I froze on the have encircled my bag. I froze on the landing and I just kind of safely landing and I just kind of safely landing and I just kind of safely hollered up and say, "Hey, that's mine.

hollered up and say, "Hey, that's mine. hollered up and say, "Hey, that's mine. Would you just just put that on the on Would you just just put that on the on Would you just just put that on the on the first step of the escalator and you the first step of the escalator and you the first step of the escalator and you can just send it back up?" And in their can just send it back up?" And in their can just send it back up?" And in their mind, everything is going off. If you mind, everything is going off. If you mind, everything is going off. If you see any unattended luggage, please see any unattended luggage, please see any unattended luggage, please inform a law enforcement officer. So, inform a law enforcement officer. So, inform a law enforcement officer. So, I'm trying to convince them that it's I'm trying to convince them that it's I'm trying to convince them that it's okay. And they look at me and say, okay. And they look at me and say, okay. And they look at me and say, "We're not touching that." And so, I'm "We're not touching that." And so, I'm "We're not touching that." And so, I'm like, "Oh, no. I know what's going to like, "Oh, no. I know what's going to like, "Oh, no. I know what's going to happen now. My identity is about to happen now. My identity is about to happen now. My identity is about to become public knowledge." So, I left the become public knowledge." So, I left the become public knowledge." So, I left the safety of the landing and my reputation safety of the landing and my reputation safety of the landing and my reputation descended with me. Everyone was watching descended with me. Everyone was watching descended with me. Everyone was watching and wondering, "Terrorist or doofus? and wondering, "Terrorist or doofus? and wondering, "Terrorist or doofus? Terrorist or doofus?" Terrorist or doofus?" Terrorist or doofus?" When the Southeast group saw that it was When the Southeast group saw that it was When the Southeast group saw that it was me, they collectively gasped and then me, they collectively gasped and then me, they collectively gasped and then they erupted into laughter. they erupted into laughter. they erupted into laughter. Not a polite chuckle, mind you, but Not a polite chuckle, mind you, but Not a polite chuckle, mind you, but full-blown cackling and mockery. full-blown cackling and mockery. full-blown cackling and mockery. And I picked up my suitcase and the And I picked up my suitcase and the And I picked up my suitcase and the airport workers seemed relieved that I airport workers seemed relieved that I airport workers seemed relieved that I was even willing to touch it. And then I was even willing to touch it. And then I was even willing to touch it. And then I looked over at the the Dirty Dozen looked over at the the Dirty Dozen looked over at the the Dirty Dozen and with a face as red as a stop sign, I and with a face as red as a stop sign, I and with a face as red as a stop sign, I said, "That's said, "That's said, "That's what I get for texting on an escalator."

what I get for texting on an escalator." what I get for texting on an escalator." Huh? And they laughed at me, but not Huh? And they laughed at me, but not Huh? And they laughed at me, but not with me. All right. with me. All right. with me. All right. There are crazy moments of truth when There are crazy moments of truth when There are crazy moments of truth when our identity is revealed. And when the our identity is revealed. And when the our identity is revealed. And when the truth comes out, in those moments, will truth comes out, in those moments, will truth comes out, in those moments, will we receive mercy or ridicule? we receive mercy or ridicule? we receive mercy or ridicule? Well, Joseph has watched them pass every Well, Joseph has watched them pass every Well, Joseph has watched them pass every test with flying colors. And as chapter test with flying colors. And as chapter test with flying colors. And as chapter 45 begins, Joseph is so overwhelmed with 45 begins, Joseph is so overwhelmed with 45 begins, Joseph is so overwhelmed with emotion. He's just heard Judah say, emotion. He's just heard Judah say, emotion. He's just heard Judah say, "Take me instead." He can't keep his "Take me instead." He can't keep his "Take me instead." He can't keep his identity a secret any longer. The Bible identity a secret any longer. The Bible identity a secret any longer. The Bible says that he dismisses everyone from the says that he dismisses everyone from the says that he dismisses everyone from the room, and all of Pharaoh's household can room, and all of Pharaoh's household can room, and all of Pharaoh's household can hear him wailing and crying. This is not hear him wailing and crying. This is not hear him wailing and crying. This is not a good sign. The brothers have to be a good sign. The brothers have to be a good sign. The brothers have to be thinking, "Oh no, this does not look thinking, "Oh no, this does not look thinking, "Oh no, this does not look good for us. we're going to be shackled good for us. we're going to be shackled good for us. we're going to be shackled or slaughtered and maybe both. The draft or slaughtered and maybe both. The draft or slaughtered and maybe both. The draft king odds have started shifting quickly king odds have started shifting quickly king odds have started shifting quickly when Joseph starts crying. The betting when Joseph starts crying. The betting when Joseph starts crying. The betting line for either Benjamin or Judah's line for either Benjamin or Judah's line for either Benjamin or Judah's demise is skyrocketing. demise is skyrocketing. demise is skyrocketing. But Joseph has seen the change in these But Joseph has seen the change in these But Joseph has seen the change in these guys and he wants to remove this burden guys and he wants to remove this burden guys and he wants to remove this burden of guilt that his brothers had been of guilt that his brothers had been of guilt that his brothers had been carrying. He's choosing to show mercy carrying. He's choosing to show mercy carrying. He's choosing to show mercy over malice.

over malice. over malice. And Joseph is about to step down from And Joseph is about to step down from And Joseph is about to step down from the landing and reveal his identity. How the landing and reveal his identity. How the landing and reveal his identity. How will the 11 respond? I am Joseph. He says I am Joseph. He says in the same breath he says, "Is dad in the same breath he says, "Is dad in the same breath he says, "Is dad still alive?" still alive?" still alive?" I like the next verse. Verse three. But I like the next verse. Verse three. But I like the next verse. Verse three. But his brothers were not able to answer him his brothers were not able to answer him his brothers were not able to answer him because they were terrified at his because they were terrified at his because they were terrified at his presence. That's the understatement of presence. That's the understatement of presence. That's the understatement of the century. the century. the century. There's this silence rooted in fear. And There's this silence rooted in fear. And There's this silence rooted in fear. And Joseph wants to make doubly sure that Joseph wants to make doubly sure that Joseph wants to make doubly sure that they haven't been lying about their dad. they haven't been lying about their dad. they haven't been lying about their dad. Look at the next verses. He has to go Look at the next verses. He has to go Look at the next verses. He has to go through it all again. Joseph said to his through it all again. Joseph said to his through it all again. Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they brothers, "Come close to me." When they brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother had done so, he said, "I am your brother had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. And Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. And Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed and do not be now do not be distressed and do not be now do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me angry with yourselves for selling me angry with yourselves for selling me here because it was to save lives that here because it was to save lives that here because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."

God sent me ahead of you." God sent me ahead of you." But God, But God, But God, my two favorite words in the Bible, my two favorite words in the Bible, my two favorite words in the Bible, but God but God but God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you sent me ahead of you to preserve for you sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your a remnant on earth and to save your a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. He's not lives by a great deliverance. He's not lives by a great deliverance. He's not going to kill them. He's not going to going to kill them. He's not going to going to kill them. He's not going to imprison them. He's not going to enslave imprison them. He's not going to enslave imprison them. He's not going to enslave them. Joseph is saying, "God allowed them. Joseph is saying, "God allowed them. Joseph is saying, "God allowed this to happen." Joseph has taken the this to happen." Joseph has taken the this to happen." Joseph has taken the high road and he chooses to interpret high road and he chooses to interpret high road and he chooses to interpret the entire story through God's the entire story through God's the entire story through God's sovereignty rather than through his sovereignty rather than through his sovereignty rather than through his brother's cruelty. brother's cruelty. brother's cruelty. God's providence is greater than human God's providence is greater than human God's providence is greater than human evil. Joseph will later say what you evil. Joseph will later say what you evil. Joseph will later say what you intended for evil. intended for evil. intended for evil. God worked and meant for good. He is God worked and meant for good. He is God worked and meant for good. He is choosing to extend forgiveness. choosing to extend forgiveness. choosing to extend forgiveness. Forgiveness is releasing my right to Forgiveness is releasing my right to Forgiveness is releasing my right to retaliate. retaliate. retaliate. That's what forgiveness is. And Joseph That's what forgiveness is. And Joseph That's what forgiveness is. And Joseph says, "I'm going to send you all back says, "I'm going to send you all back says, "I'm going to send you all back home with grain and food and carts and home with grain and food and carts and home with grain and food and carts and donkeys because I want you to bring dad donkeys because I want you to bring dad donkeys because I want you to bring dad back.

back. back. I want you to bring your families back I want you to bring your families back I want you to bring your families back and all of your kids and I'm going to and all of your kids and I'm going to and all of your kids and I'm going to give you the best of all the land and give you the best of all the land and give you the best of all the land and you can live here with me." He says, you can live here with me." He says, you can live here with me." He says, "Don't worry about bringing any of your "Don't worry about bringing any of your "Don't worry about bringing any of your belongings back with you because you belongings back with you because you belongings back with you because you will have the best of everything when will have the best of everything when will have the best of everything when you all return." And even though there's you all return." And even though there's you all return." And even though there's five more years of famine, he says, "I five more years of famine, he says, "I five more years of famine, he says, "I got you covered, bro." got you covered, bro." got you covered, bro." Wow. Wow. Wow. Just wow. Just wow. Just wow. >> Mercy means the most when it is deserved >> Mercy means the most when it is deserved >> Mercy means the most when it is deserved the least. the least. the least. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Think of each chapter. Conviction, >> Think of each chapter. Conviction, >> Think of each chapter. Conviction, repentance, repentance, repentance, sacrifice sacrifice sacrifice equals grace. equals grace. equals grace. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Grace is the word for chapter 45. anyone >> Grace is the word for chapter 45. anyone >> Grace is the word for chapter 45. anyone that you need to extend some grace to. that you need to extend some grace to. that you need to extend some grace to. Our sinful nature wants revenge. We plot Our sinful nature wants revenge. We plot Our sinful nature wants revenge. We plot our plan to retaliate so that they get our plan to retaliate so that they get our plan to retaliate so that they get what's coming to them. Retaliation over what's coming to them. Retaliation over what's coming to them. Retaliation over reconciliation. reconciliation. reconciliation. But Joseph responds so differently.

But Joseph responds so differently. But Joseph responds so differently. I mean, think about the whole scene. I mean, think about the whole scene. I mean, think about the whole scene. When famine strikes the land, Joseph's When famine strikes the land, Joseph's When famine strikes the land, Joseph's brothers make a desperate journey to brothers make a desperate journey to brothers make a desperate journey to Egypt, searching for help and hope. They Egypt, searching for help and hope. They Egypt, searching for help and hope. They find both in the most unlikely place find both in the most unlikely place find both in the most unlikely place from the most unlikely person. And from the most unlikely person. And from the most unlikely person. And instead of revenge, instead of revenge, instead of revenge, he chose restoration. Someone said, "We're most like beasts Someone said, "We're most like beasts when we kill. We're most like humans when we kill. We're most like humans when we kill. We're most like humans when we judge, but we're most like God when we judge, but we're most like God when we judge, but we're most like God when we forgive." when we forgive." when we forgive." And in a plot twist, only God could And in a plot twist, only God could And in a plot twist, only God could write. family wounds are healed. What is write. family wounds are healed. What is write. family wounds are healed. What is impossible with man is possible with impossible with man is possible with impossible with man is possible with God. God is still in the business of God. God is still in the business of God. God is still in the business of healing old hurts and restoring what has healing old hurts and restoring what has healing old hurts and restoring what has been broken. Some of you have been so been broken. Some of you have been so been broken. Some of you have been so deeply wounded. deeply wounded. deeply wounded. Some of you physically, some of you Some of you physically, some of you Some of you physically, some of you emotionally. emotionally. emotionally. I I I don't minimize that.

I I I don't minimize that. I I I don't minimize that. But Jesus calls us to forgive. But Jesus calls us to forgive. But Jesus calls us to forgive. And I know that I am speaking to people And I know that I am speaking to people And I know that I am speaking to people who have endured some some pretty who have endured some some pretty who have endured some some pretty horrific things in your life. And I'm horrific things in your life. And I'm horrific things in your life. And I'm not discounting that. Trust me, I I get not discounting that. Trust me, I I get not discounting that. Trust me, I I get it. I've I've been there on a smaller it. I've I've been there on a smaller it. I've I've been there on a smaller scale, but I've been there. scale, but I've been there. scale, but I've been there. And you're looking at me and you want to And you're looking at me and you want to And you're looking at me and you want to say, "Well, say, "Well, say, "Well, tell me, Dave, why why should I tell me, Dave, why why should I tell me, Dave, why why should I forgive?" forgive?" forgive?" Well, we're commanded to in scripture. Well, we're commanded to in scripture. Well, we're commanded to in scripture. It's emotionally unhealthy for you. It's emotionally unhealthy for you. It's emotionally unhealthy for you. Bitterness raises your stress, your Bitterness raises your stress, your Bitterness raises your stress, your heart rate. It's like drinking poison heart rate. It's like drinking poison heart rate. It's like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. and waiting for the other person to die. and waiting for the other person to die. All it does is eat you up. All it does is eat you up. All it does is eat you up. What was helpful to me in dealing with What was helpful to me in dealing with What was helpful to me in dealing with with this struggle is something that Dr. with this struggle is something that Dr. with this struggle is something that Dr. Henry Cloud said. Henry Cloud said. Henry Cloud said. He said, "Control what you can control He said, "Control what you can control He said, "Control what you can control and what you can't surrender to God.

and what you can't surrender to God. and what you can't surrender to God. Life's too short to let someone else's Life's too short to let someone else's Life's too short to let someone else's behavior mess up your life and affect behavior mess up your life and affect behavior mess up your life and affect your present and future. Let go of that your present and future. Let go of that your present and future. Let go of that injustice. Can I give you one more injustice. Can I give you one more injustice. Can I give you one more reason to forgive? reason to forgive? reason to forgive? Matthew 6 14 and 15. Matthew 6 14 and 15. Matthew 6 14 and 15. Jesus said, "For if you forgive other Jesus said, "For if you forgive other Jesus said, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your people when they sin against you, your people when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. heavenly father will also forgive you. heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their But if you do not forgive others their But if you do not forgive others their sins, your father will not forgive your sins, your father will not forgive your sins, your father will not forgive your sins. Those sins. Those sins. Those are difficult words, are difficult words, are difficult words, but they're Jesus words. They're not my but they're Jesus words. They're not my but they're Jesus words. They're not my words. And if Jesus says if you don't words. And if Jesus says if you don't words. And if Jesus says if you don't forgive others of their sins, your forgive others of their sins, your forgive others of their sins, your father won't forgive your sins, then he father won't forgive your sins, then he father won't forgive your sins, then he means that Jesus has kept every promise. means that Jesus has kept every promise. means that Jesus has kept every promise. I'm not saying that you have to like I'm not saying that you have to like I'm not saying that you have to like that person, but you need to try to love that person, but you need to try to love that person, but you need to try to love them. doesn't mean that you remove the them. doesn't mean that you remove the them. doesn't mean that you remove the legal punishments or the consequences of legal punishments or the consequences of legal punishments or the consequences of their actions, but it begins with asking their actions, but it begins with asking their actions, but it begins with asking God to help you start that process of God to help you start that process of God to help you start that process of letting go. I'm certain it was a long letting go. I'm certain it was a long letting go. I'm certain it was a long process for Joseph that took years process for Joseph that took years process for Joseph that took years sitting in a prison, sitting in a prison, sitting in a prison, being in slavery.

being in slavery. being in slavery. Satan loves to use unforgiveness and Satan loves to use unforgiveness and Satan loves to use unforgiveness and bitterness to his advantage because the bitterness to his advantage because the bitterness to his advantage because the longer that you hold on to that longer that you hold on to that longer that you hold on to that resentment, the more difficult it is for resentment, the more difficult it is for resentment, the more difficult it is for you to let go. You think you're holding you to let go. You think you're holding you to let go. You think you're holding the other person hostage when you the other person hostage when you the other person hostage when you withhold forgiveness, but just the withhold forgiveness, but just the withhold forgiveness, but just the opposite occurs. It's like being opposite occurs. It's like being opposite occurs. It's like being imprisoned and we live behind the bars imprisoned and we live behind the bars imprisoned and we live behind the bars of bitterness. of bitterness. of bitterness. Let me put Joseph's words from Genesis Let me put Joseph's words from Genesis Let me put Joseph's words from Genesis 45:7 45:7 45:7 back on the screen. I want you to look back on the screen. I want you to look back on the screen. I want you to look at them again. This is Joseph's words. at them again. This is Joseph's words. at them again. This is Joseph's words. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve But God sent me ahead of you to preserve But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save for you a remnant on earth and to save for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives for a great deliverance. your lives for a great deliverance. your lives for a great deliverance. Joseph said that. Joseph said that. Joseph said that. But I want you to see But I want you to see But I want you to see Jesus could have said the very same Jesus could have said the very same Jesus could have said the very same thing. thing. thing. God sent me ahead of you. That's a God sent me ahead of you. That's a God sent me ahead of you. That's a Christmas story. To save your lives. Christmas story. To save your lives. Christmas story. To save your lives. That's Good Friday on a cross. That's Good Friday on a cross. That's Good Friday on a cross. to come and live with me at my home.

to come and live with me at my home. to come and live with me at my home. That's the hope of Easter Sunday. We That's the hope of Easter Sunday. We That's the hope of Easter Sunday. We have hope beyond the grave. We have an have hope beyond the grave. We have an have hope beyond the grave. We have an eternal home in heaven with a forgiving eternal home in heaven with a forgiving eternal home in heaven with a forgiving God. God. God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So the forgiveness that God has extended >> So the forgiveness that God has extended >> So the forgiveness that God has extended to you, to you, to you, will you extend to someone else?