Are You Missing The Point?

Good morning. How's everybody doing? Good morning. How's everybody doing? >> Good. Good. Thank you so much for having >> Good. Good. Thank you so much for having >> Good. Good. Thank you so much for having me again. It's a privilege to be here. me again. It's a privilege to be here. me again. It's a privilege to be here. Um, thank you to Pastor Kyle for Um, thank you to Pastor Kyle for Um, thank you to Pastor Kyle for inviting me and um, yeah, and I was uh, inviting me and um, yeah, and I was uh, inviting me and um, yeah, and I was uh, I told him, you know, he texted me, told I told him, you know, he texted me, told I told him, you know, he texted me, told me that he he was praying for me and I me that he he was praying for me and I me that he he was praying for me and I thanked him uh, for trusting me enough thanked him uh, for trusting me enough thanked him uh, for trusting me enough to continue to ask me to come back and to continue to ask me to come back and to continue to ask me to come back and to open God's word. It is a privilege to open God's word. It is a privilege to open God's word. It is a privilege for me. I do not take that lightly. Uh, for me. I do not take that lightly. Uh, for me. I do not take that lightly. Uh, I do not take that lightly. Thank you I do not take that lightly. Thank you I do not take that lightly. Thank you for trusting me. And we are going to for trusting me. And we are going to for trusting me. And we are going to pray that God would meet with us, would pray that God would meet with us, would pray that God would meet with us, would speak to us now in his word. Let's pray. speak to us now in his word. Let's pray. speak to us now in his word. Let's pray. Uh, Father, we come before you in Jesus' Uh, Father, we come before you in Jesus' Uh, Father, we come before you in Jesus' name. Father, and we're so grateful that we Father, and we're so grateful that we have access to you through Jesus, the have access to you through Jesus, the have access to you through Jesus, the worthy one. There's no other name under worthy one. There's no other name under worthy one. There's no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. heaven by which we can be saved. heaven by which we can be saved. And Father, we pray that you would make And Father, we pray that you would make And Father, we pray that you would make us like Jesus. And one of the reasons we us like Jesus. And one of the reasons we us like Jesus. And one of the reasons we sing about how worthy Jesus is is sing about how worthy Jesus is is sing about how worthy Jesus is is because Jesus is great and we want to be because Jesus is great and we want to be because Jesus is great and we want to be like him. Make us like Jesus, Father.

like him. Make us like Jesus, Father. like him. Make us like Jesus, Father. God, we pray you speak to us in your God, we pray you speak to us in your God, we pray you speak to us in your word. Remove anything that, you know, in word. Remove anything that, you know, in word. Remove anything that, you know, in our hearts that would keep us from our hearts that would keep us from our hearts that would keep us from hearing from you, please, Father. Um, hearing from you, please, Father. Um, hearing from you, please, Father. Um, and we pray that you would work in our and we pray that you would work in our and we pray that you would work in our midst. We need you. We ask these things midst. We need you. We ask these things midst. We need you. We ask these things in Jesus name. Amen. in Jesus name. Amen. in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Well, this morning I have the privilege Well, this morning I have the privilege Well, this morning I have the privilege of closing out this series in Genesis of closing out this series in Genesis of closing out this series in Genesis and in the and in the life of Joseph. and in the and in the life of Joseph. and in the and in the life of Joseph. Uh, one of my favorite sections of Uh, one of my favorite sections of Uh, one of my favorite sections of scripture. And I want to begin um as we scripture. And I want to begin um as we scripture. And I want to begin um as we talk about the bigger picture. I want to talk about the bigger picture. I want to talk about the bigger picture. I want to begin by saying this. begin by saying this. begin by saying this. What you focus on will determine what What you focus on will determine what What you focus on will determine what you see. you see. you see. What you focus on will determine what What you focus on will determine what What you focus on will determine what you see. Let me give you an example. Um, you see. Let me give you an example. Um, you see. Let me give you an example. Um, in the last few weeks, I have tried to in the last few weeks, I have tried to in the last few weeks, I have tried to watch the World Cup. I gave it all my might.

I gave it all my might. I saw all the joy and excitement that it I saw all the joy and excitement that it I saw all the joy and excitement that it brought other people and I said, "I'm brought other people and I said, "I'm brought other people and I said, "I'm missing out on this joy and excitement." missing out on this joy and excitement." missing out on this joy and excitement." So, I've tried to watch it So, I've tried to watch it So, I've tried to watch it and I'm struggling. and I'm struggling. and I'm struggling. I'm used to sports like basketball and I'm used to sports like basketball and I'm used to sports like basketball and football where people score points and so I'm struggling. I was at a coffee and so I'm struggling. I was at a coffee shop and I was working and they had a a shop and I was working and they had a a shop and I was working and they had a a World Cup game on and every time World Cup game on and every time World Cup game on and every time somebody even looked at the goal, somebody even looked at the goal, somebody even looked at the goal, everyone got so excited. People were everyone got so excited. People were everyone got so excited. People were getting up and bumping chests and I'm getting up and bumping chests and I'm getting up and bumping chests and I'm like nothing happened. So, I'm like, I clearly don't understand So, I'm like, I clearly don't understand this game enough. Y'all are seeing this game enough. Y'all are seeing this game enough. Y'all are seeing something different than I'm seeing. It something different than I'm seeing. It something different than I'm seeing. It just looks like they're just kicking it just looks like they're just kicking it just looks like they're just kicking it back and forth. And so, I need someone back and forth. And so, I need someone back and forth. And so, I need someone to help me. Um, what you focus on will to help me. Um, what you focus on will to help me. Um, what you focus on will determine what you see and how you determine what you see and how you determine what you see and how you respond to what you see. Their response respond to what you see. Their response respond to what you see. Their response told me they were seeing something told me they were seeing something told me they were seeing something different than I was. You've heard different than I was. You've heard different than I was. You've heard people talk about uh missing the forest people talk about uh missing the forest people talk about uh missing the forest for the trees. And of course, when for the trees. And of course, when for the trees. And of course, when people say this, they mean you could be people say this, they mean you could be people say this, they mean you could be looking at individual trees and not looking at individual trees and not looking at individual trees and not realize that it was part of an entire realize that it was part of an entire realize that it was part of an entire forest. Maybe you've seen videos with forest. Maybe you've seen videos with forest. Maybe you've seen videos with drone footage where it looks like a drone footage where it looks like a drone footage where it looks like a field and then you realize that field is field and then you realize that field is field and then you realize that field is in the middle of a city or satellite in the middle of a city or satellite in the middle of a city or satellite footage where they keep pulling out and footage where they keep pulling out and footage where they keep pulling out and you see a city, a state, a country, a you see a city, a state, a country, a you see a city, a state, a country, a hemisphere.

hemisphere. hemisphere. I bring all of that up just to say we I bring all of that up just to say we I bring all of that up just to say we cannot understand parts unless we cannot understand parts unless we cannot understand parts unless we understand what they're a part of. We're understand what they're a part of. We're understand what they're a part of. We're talking about the bigger picture. Um, talking about the bigger picture. Um, talking about the bigger picture. Um, and we can't understand all these parts and we can't understand all these parts and we can't understand all these parts unless you know what they're a part of. unless you know what they're a part of. unless you know what they're a part of. And sometimes we will look at the trees And sometimes we will look at the trees And sometimes we will look at the trees of our life and we will miss the forest of our life and we will miss the forest of our life and we will miss the forest that is God's work, what he's doing. You that is God's work, what he's doing. You that is God's work, what he's doing. You know, we'll go through our daily life. know, we'll go through our daily life. know, we'll go through our daily life. We'll wake up. We'll go to work, spend We'll wake up. We'll go to work, spend We'll wake up. We'll go to work, spend time with our family. We're not thinking time with our family. We're not thinking time with our family. We're not thinking so much about how this fits into the so much about how this fits into the so much about how this fits into the bigger story that God is telling. You bigger story that God is telling. You bigger story that God is telling. You know, me and my wife went on a date the know, me and my wife went on a date the know, me and my wife went on a date the other night and I, knowing that she is other night and I, knowing that she is other night and I, knowing that she is an ice cream lover, found an ice cream an ice cream lover, found an ice cream an ice cream lover, found an ice cream place around the corner, trying to get place around the corner, trying to get place around the corner, trying to get extra cool points. And so, we go to this extra cool points. And so, we go to this extra cool points. And so, we go to this ice cream place and we're thinking we're ice cream place and we're thinking we're ice cream place and we're thinking we're just going to sit and eat ice cream and just going to sit and eat ice cream and just going to sit and eat ice cream and just talk to each other, just talk to each other, just talk to each other, whisper sweet nothings in each other's whisper sweet nothings in each other's whisper sweet nothings in each other's ears, whatever. And we didn't realize ears, whatever. And we didn't realize ears, whatever. And we didn't realize that this ice cream place was inside of that this ice cream place was inside of that this ice cream place was inside of a food hall and that one of the play in a food hall and that one of the play in a food hall and that one of the play in the food hall was having an open mic the food hall was having an open mic the food hall was having an open mic night. night. night. And so instead of whispering sweet And so instead of whispering sweet And so instead of whispering sweet nothings to each other, we were nothings to each other, we were nothings to each other, we were listening to mediocre to poor singing listening to mediocre to poor singing listening to mediocre to poor singing all night. No offense to the people at all night. No offense to the people at all night. No offense to the people at the open mic. I support their dreams. I the open mic. I support their dreams. I the open mic. I support their dreams. I would rather support them from another would rather support them from another would rather support them from another building, though.

The ice cream place was there. We knew The ice cream place was there. We knew that, but we didn't understand what it that, but we didn't understand what it that, but we didn't understand what it was fully a part of. was fully a part of. was fully a part of. What's happening in your life fits in What's happening in your life fits in What's happening in your life fits in the context of something bigger. And the context of something bigger. And the context of something bigger. And when we don't look at that bigger story, when we don't look at that bigger story, when we don't look at that bigger story, there's things we'll miss and we may not there's things we'll miss and we may not there's things we'll miss and we may not respond to it the way that we should. respond to it the way that we should. respond to it the way that we should. And when we overly just look at the And when we overly just look at the And when we overly just look at the little picture of what's happening in little picture of what's happening in little picture of what's happening in each individual moment, we can kind of each individual moment, we can kind of each individual moment, we can kind of make everything that's happening in the make everything that's happening in the make everything that's happening in the world about us. We'll only interact with world about us. We'll only interact with world about us. We'll only interact with it as much as it impacts what we're it as much as it impacts what we're it as much as it impacts what we're thinking about about our story. this thinking about about our story. this thinking about about our story. this book of Genesis that we're wrapping up book of Genesis that we're wrapping up book of Genesis that we're wrapping up looking at these final chapters. When we looking at these final chapters. When we looking at these final chapters. When we look at this book and we see Joseph and look at this book and we see Joseph and look at this book and we see Joseph and we see Jacob and we see all the we see Jacob and we see all the we see Jacob and we see all the brothers, this is not just a story about brothers, this is not just a story about brothers, this is not just a story about them. This is mainly the bigger picture them. This is mainly the bigger picture them. This is mainly the bigger picture is about this creator God and the work is about this creator God and the work is about this creator God and the work that he's doing in the world. And that that he's doing in the world. And that that he's doing in the world. And that shapes the way we see everything that shapes the way we see everything that shapes the way we see everything that happens in this book and it should shape happens in this book and it should shape happens in this book and it should shape the way that we see everything that the way that we see everything that the way that we see everything that happens in our lives. The main thing happens in our lives. The main thing happens in our lives. The main thing that I want to drive home today is this. that I want to drive home today is this. that I want to drive home today is this. To walk your path, you have to know your To walk your path, you have to know your To walk your path, you have to know your place.

place. place. To walk your path, you have to know your To walk your path, you have to know your To walk your path, you have to know your place. Um, if you would turn with me to place. Um, if you would turn with me to place. Um, if you would turn with me to Genesis chapter 50 because we are Genesis chapter 50 because we are Genesis chapter 50 because we are looking at what's happening from 46 to looking at what's happening from 46 to looking at what's happening from 46 to 50 here at the end of this book. But 50 here at the end of this book. But 50 here at the end of this book. But we're going to we're going to zoom in on we're going to we're going to zoom in on we're going to we're going to zoom in on our anchor verses are going to be verses our anchor verses are going to be verses our anchor verses are going to be verses 19. So, if you'll turn Genesis 50, we'll 19. So, if you'll turn Genesis 50, we'll 19. So, if you'll turn Genesis 50, we'll start at verse 19. We'll read 19 and 20. Genesis Genesis 50:es 19 and 20. And here Joseph is going to talk to his And here Joseph is going to talk to his brothers who have of course wronged him. brothers who have of course wronged him. brothers who have of course wronged him. They're worried about what he's going to They're worried about what he's going to They're worried about what he's going to do. And this is what Joseph says to do. And this is what Joseph says to do. And this is what Joseph says to them. Verse 19. Verse 19. But Joseph said to them, "Don't be But Joseph said to them, "Don't be But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. afraid. afraid. Am I in the place of God? Am I in the place of God? Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me. God planned You planned evil against me. God planned You planned evil against me. God planned it for good to bring about the present it for good to bring about the present it for good to bring about the present result, the survival of many people."

result, the survival of many people." result, the survival of many people." That is an incredible thing for somebody That is an incredible thing for somebody That is an incredible thing for somebody to say when they've had happened to to say when they've had happened to to say when they've had happened to them, what Joseph had happened to them. them, what Joseph had happened to them. them, what Joseph had happened to them. Talking to the people who robbed him, Talking to the people who robbed him, Talking to the people who robbed him, threw him in a pit, sold him into threw him in a pit, sold him into threw him in a pit, sold him into slavery. After that, he he's, you know, slavery. After that, he he's, you know, slavery. After that, he he's, you know, shipped to a foreign place and accused shipped to a foreign place and accused shipped to a foreign place and accused of assault. of assault. of assault. And what he says is, And what he says is, And what he says is, "Am I in the place of God? "Am I in the place of God? "Am I in the place of God? You planned it for evil. God meant it You planned it for evil. God meant it You planned it for evil. God meant it for good." This is someone who for good." This is someone who for good." This is someone who understands the bigger picture. So many understands the bigger picture. So many understands the bigger picture. So many uh situations in our lives, we could uh situations in our lives, we could uh situations in our lives, we could navigate better if we asked that navigate better if we asked that navigate better if we asked that question. Am I in the place of God? We question. Am I in the place of God? We question. Am I in the place of God? We normally would not. None of us, I think, normally would not. None of us, I think, normally would not. None of us, I think, are, you know, are saying that like, I'm are, you know, are saying that like, I'm are, you know, are saying that like, I'm in the place of God. I'm God. But we can in the place of God. I'm God. But we can in the place of God. I'm God. But we can still very sneakily put ourselves in the still very sneakily put ourselves in the still very sneakily put ourselves in the place of God without saying it. As an place of God without saying it. As an place of God without saying it. As an example, let's say that my oldest son example, let's say that my oldest son example, let's say that my oldest son woke up one day and when I uh saw him, woke up one day and when I uh saw him, woke up one day and when I uh saw him, he started trying to give me chores to he started trying to give me chores to he started trying to give me chores to do. do. do. That would be strange. And asking about That would be strange. And asking about That would be strange. And asking about bills that need to be paid. That would bills that need to be paid. That would bills that need to be paid. That would be strange. Or, you know, going and be strange. Or, you know, going and be strange. Or, you know, going and getting the trash bins and bringing them getting the trash bins and bringing them getting the trash bins and bringing them back to the house. I would actually like back to the house. I would actually like back to the house. I would actually like it if he did that. But the other two, it it if he did that. But the other two, it it if he did that. But the other two, it would be like, wait, um, even if he would be like, wait, um, even if he would be like, wait, um, even if he wasn't calling himself dad, it would be wasn't calling himself dad, it would be wasn't calling himself dad, it would be like, you still seems clear that you like, you still seems clear that you like, you still seems clear that you feel like you're functioning in that feel like you're functioning in that feel like you're functioning in that way. And there are many ways we are not way. And there are many ways we are not way. And there are many ways we are not calling ourselves God, but we put calling ourselves God, but we put calling ourselves God, but we put ourselves in the place of God. Some with ourselves in the place of God. Some with ourselves in the place of God. Some with some people around us, we act as if some people around us, we act as if some people around us, we act as if we're the final judge. Like, you can't we're the final judge. Like, you can't we're the final judge. Like, you can't be at peace unless all of your decisions

be at peace unless all of your decisions be at peace unless all of your decisions make sense to me. You're putting make sense to me. You're putting make sense to me. You're putting yourself in the place of God. yourself in the place of God. yourself in the place of God. Some of us act like the entire universe Some of us act like the entire universe Some of us act like the entire universe revolves around us and we're so confused revolves around us and we're so confused revolves around us and we're so confused when everything doesn't go our way. We when everything doesn't go our way. We when everything doesn't go our way. We have put ourselves in a place of God. have put ourselves in a place of God. have put ourselves in a place of God. Universe doesn't revolve around you. Universe doesn't revolve around you. Universe doesn't revolve around you. Some of us, every plan we make. We hold Some of us, every plan we make. We hold Some of us, every plan we make. We hold to it as if it is a decree from heaven to it as if it is a decree from heaven to it as if it is a decree from heaven and that the world ends. If our plans and that the world ends. If our plans and that the world ends. If our plans don't work out, family, you're putting don't work out, family, you're putting don't work out, family, you're putting yourself in the place of God. yourself in the place of God. yourself in the place of God. to walk your path, you have to know your to walk your path, you have to know your to walk your path, you have to know your place. And so what I want to do is I place. And so what I want to do is I place. And so what I want to do is I want to look at three three things in want to look at three three things in want to look at three three things in these in these last chapters, three these in these last chapters, three these in these last chapters, three areas that I think we need to know our areas that I think we need to know our areas that I think we need to know our place. All right, y'all still with me? place. All right, y'all still with me? place. All right, y'all still with me? >> Okay. Number one, we need to know our >> Okay. Number one, we need to know our >> Okay. Number one, we need to know our place. Number one, in the lives of place. Number one, in the lives of place. Number one, in the lives of others. In the lives of others. others. In the lives of others. others. In the lives of others. When I was uh a teenager, there was an When I was uh a teenager, there was an When I was uh a teenager, there was an older man in my life and he liked one of older man in my life and he liked one of older man in my life and he liked one of his favorite shows was Seinfeld. I would his favorite shows was Seinfeld. I would his favorite shows was Seinfeld. I would say to him, um, you have horrible taste.

say to him, um, you have horrible taste. say to him, um, you have horrible taste. This isn't good. This isn't good. This isn't good. And I lost respect for him because of And I lost respect for him because of And I lost respect for him because of that. I was like, why don't you like that. I was like, why don't you like that. I was like, why don't you like good shows? And I I got a little older. good shows? And I I got a little older. good shows? And I I got a little older. I watched it later and I was like, all I watched it later and I was like, all I watched it later and I was like, all right, my bad. This was hilarious. right, my bad. This was hilarious. right, my bad. This was hilarious. This is one episode where George This is one episode where George This is one episode where George Castanza is uh dating this woman and she Castanza is uh dating this woman and she Castanza is uh dating this woman and she has a a a son and he's trying to like has a a a son and he's trying to like has a a a son and he's trying to like tolerate the kid just so that the tolerate the kid just so that the tolerate the kid just so that the relationship can go well. And so they relationship can go well. And so they relationship can go well. And so they have this birthday party for the kid. have this birthday party for the kid. have this birthday party for the kid. And so they're at this birthday party And so they're at this birthday party And so they're at this birthday party and they they had clowns and um George and they they had clowns and um George and they they had clowns and um George Castanza is trying to tolerate the party Castanza is trying to tolerate the party Castanza is trying to tolerate the party and then he smells something and he like and then he smells something and he like and then he smells something and he like is that smoke and he goes in the kitchen is that smoke and he goes in the kitchen is that smoke and he goes in the kitchen and he sees there's a fire. So George and he sees there's a fire. So George and he sees there's a fire. So George Castanza screams fire, runs out of the Castanza screams fire, runs out of the Castanza screams fire, runs out of the kitchen, pushes a clown down. There's a kitchen, pushes a clown down. There's a kitchen, pushes a clown down. There's a old lady with a walker. Pushes her down. old lady with a walker. Pushes her down. old lady with a walker. Pushes her down. Pushes children out of the way and runs Pushes children out of the way and runs Pushes children out of the way and runs out of the apartment. out of the apartment. out of the apartment. As you can imagine, this did not go well As you can imagine, this did not go well As you can imagine, this did not go well for his relationship. for his relationship. for his relationship. He assumed that he had no responsibility He assumed that he had no responsibility He assumed that he had no responsibility for anybody but himself. The only thing for anybody but himself. The only thing for anybody but himself. The only thing he was concerned with was he was concerned with was he was concerned with was selfpreservation. And this is how many selfpreservation. And this is how many selfpreservation. And this is how many of us go through our lives. As if we of us go through our lives. As if we of us go through our lives. As if we have no role, no part to play in the have no role, no part to play in the have no role, no part to play in the good of anybody but ourselves.

What do you think What do you think your role is in the lives of others? your role is in the lives of others? your role is in the lives of others? We get to see the way that that Joseph We get to see the way that that Joseph We get to see the way that that Joseph thinks through that. One of the things thinks through that. One of the things thinks through that. One of the things that we'll do sometimes because one of that we'll do sometimes because one of that we'll do sometimes because one of the things that keeps us from caring for the things that keeps us from caring for the things that keeps us from caring for for others is just thinking about for others is just thinking about for others is just thinking about ourselves. We'll we'll treat other ourselves. We'll we'll treat other ourselves. We'll we'll treat other people almost like they are supporting people almost like they are supporting people almost like they are supporting actors in a movie that's all about us. actors in a movie that's all about us. actors in a movie that's all about us. Like if the movie is Lion King, we're Like if the movie is Lion King, we're Like if the movie is Lion King, we're Simba and they are Zazu. Simba and they are Zazu. Simba and they are Zazu. If it's Batman, we're Bruce Wayne. If it's Batman, we're Bruce Wayne. If it's Batman, we're Bruce Wayne. They're just Alfred. And when we treat They're just Alfred. And when we treat They're just Alfred. And when we treat everybody around us as a supporting cast everybody around us as a supporting cast everybody around us as a supporting cast and a story about us, that means a and a story about us, that means a and a story about us, that means a spotlight has to remain on us. That spotlight has to remain on us. That spotlight has to remain on us. That means everything that happens, we have means everything that happens, we have means everything that happens, we have to look good. We have to be the hero of to look good. We have to be the hero of to look good. We have to be the hero of every victory. We got to be the victim every victory. We got to be the victim every victory. We got to be the victim of every failure. It's about making us of every failure. It's about making us of every failure. It's about making us look good. And that makes us treat look good. And that makes us treat look good. And that makes us treat everybody and every interaction as if everybody and every interaction as if everybody and every interaction as if they're a servant just to help our story they're a servant just to help our story they're a servant just to help our story go well. go well. go well. One of the main problems with that is One of the main problems with that is One of the main problems with that is that is not how the Bible calls us to that is not how the Bible calls us to that is not how the Bible calls us to interact with others to treat everyone interact with others to treat everyone interact with others to treat everyone as a servant to help our story go well.

as a servant to help our story go well. as a servant to help our story go well. In fact, when our Lord came to earth, he In fact, when our Lord came to earth, he In fact, when our Lord came to earth, he he said, "I did not come to be served he said, "I did not come to be served he said, "I did not come to be served but to serve and to give my life as a but to serve and to give my life as a but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many." ransom for many." ransom for many." So, I want to encourage you So, I want to encourage you So, I want to encourage you that one of the things that can help us that one of the things that can help us that one of the things that can help us not treat other people like our not treat other people like our not treat other people like our supporting cast is knowing our place. We supporting cast is knowing our place. We supporting cast is knowing our place. We know that Joseph was thinking of the know that Joseph was thinking of the know that Joseph was thinking of the bigger picture in part because of what bigger picture in part because of what bigger picture in part because of what he said in the chapter before in uh you he said in the chapter before in uh you he said in the chapter before in uh you know when he was talking to his know when he was talking to his know when he was talking to his brothers. He said God sent me ahead of brothers. He said God sent me ahead of brothers. He said God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within you to establish you as a remnant within you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a the land and to keep you alive by a the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Joseph is saying you great deliverance. Joseph is saying you great deliverance. Joseph is saying you sold me into slavery but God was sending sold me into slavery but God was sending sold me into slavery but God was sending me ahead in order to provide for you me ahead in order to provide for you me ahead in order to provide for you when this famine comes up. That's when this famine comes up. That's when this famine comes up. That's the uh reflections of someone who sees the uh reflections of someone who sees the uh reflections of someone who sees the bigger picture. the bigger picture. the bigger picture. One of the things that we do is we we One of the things that we do is we we One of the things that we do is we we get afraid that if we don't try to keep get afraid that if we don't try to keep get afraid that if we don't try to keep control of everything and make sure control of everything and make sure control of everything and make sure everything goes well for our story everything goes well for our story everything goes well for our story that no one else is going to care about that no one else is going to care about that no one else is going to care about us or take care of us. So we treat every us or take care of us. So we treat every us or take care of us. So we treat every interaction as some zero sum game where interaction as some zero sum game where interaction as some zero sum game where either you're taken care of or I'm taken either you're taken care of or I'm taken either you're taken care of or I'm taken care of. No one's going to think about care of. No one's going to think about care of. No one's going to think about me but me. This is not how the Bible me but me. This is not how the Bible me but me. This is not how the Bible encourages us. Listen to what uh Jacob encourages us. Listen to what uh Jacob encourages us. Listen to what uh Jacob does uh what Joseph does in in Genesis does uh what Joseph does in in Genesis does uh what Joseph does in in Genesis chapter 47 after his family has come to chapter 47 after his family has come to chapter 47 after his family has come to Egypt away from the family. Genesis Egypt away from the family. Genesis Egypt away from the family. Genesis 47:12 it says, "And Joseph provided his 47:12 it says, "And Joseph provided his 47:12 it says, "And Joseph provided his father, his brother, and all his

father, his brother, and all his father, his brother, and all his father's family with food for their father's family with food for their father's family with food for their dependence." dependence." dependence." A couple things are remarkable about A couple things are remarkable about A couple things are remarkable about this. this. this. Joseph could have said, "My family Joseph could have said, "My family Joseph could have said, "My family betrayed me." He could have just treated betrayed me." He could have just treated betrayed me." He could have just treated them as like his uh villain origin them as like his uh villain origin them as like his uh villain origin story. Like, "These are the monsters who story. Like, "These are the monsters who story. Like, "These are the monsters who made me who I am today." Or said, "We'll made me who I am today." Or said, "We'll made me who I am today." Or said, "We'll just leave them in the past. Things are just leave them in the past. Things are just leave them in the past. Things are going well for me." That's not what he going well for me." That's not what he going well for me." That's not what he does. Even though they have horribly does. Even though they have horribly does. Even though they have horribly wronged him. Why? Because he understands wronged him. Why? Because he understands wronged him. Why? Because he understands they're not just random characters in they're not just random characters in they're not just random characters in his story. That he and them are all his story. That he and them are all his story. That he and them are all characters in God's story. And this characters in God's story. And this characters in God's story. And this bigger picture that God is telling. And bigger picture that God is telling. And bigger picture that God is telling. And the story that God was telling, he the story that God was telling, he the story that God was telling, he wanted to provide for Joseph's family. wanted to provide for Joseph's family. wanted to provide for Joseph's family. And so Joseph says, "Let me play the And so Joseph says, "Let me play the And so Joseph says, "Let me play the role that God sent me to play." role that God sent me to play." role that God sent me to play." When God is the one telling the story, When God is the one telling the story, When God is the one telling the story, there is more at play than you. Uh there is more at play than you. Uh there is more at play than you. Uh Philippians 2, Paul tells us, don't just Philippians 2, Paul tells us, don't just Philippians 2, Paul tells us, don't just look out for yourself. Don't just look look out for yourself. Don't just look look out for yourself. Don't just look out for your own interests, but also for out for your own interests, but also for out for your own interests, but also for the interests of others. And the example the interests of others. And the example the interests of others. And the example he gives of this is, of course, Jesus.

I want to encourage you in this that I want to encourage you in this that there is nothing that exempts you from there is nothing that exempts you from there is nothing that exempts you from paying attention to the interests of paying attention to the interests of paying attention to the interests of others. You don't get to say, "I'm others. You don't get to say, "I'm others. You don't get to say, "I'm having a hard time so I don't see what having a hard time so I don't see what having a hard time so I don't see what anybody else is going through." anybody else is going through." anybody else is going through." You don't get to say, "Someone has You don't get to say, "Someone has You don't get to say, "Someone has wronged me, so I I don't have to love wronged me, so I I don't have to love wronged me, so I I don't have to love them anymore." Now, it may you may them anymore." Now, it may you may them anymore." Now, it may you may figure out what that looks like. But figure out what that looks like. But figure out what that looks like. But sacrificial love is our call. No matter sacrificial love is our call. No matter sacrificial love is our call. No matter what's going on, you have a role in the what's going on, you have a role in the what's going on, you have a role in the lives of other people. There there have lives of other people. There there have lives of other people. There there have been times in my life where I've been been times in my life where I've been been times in my life where I've been convicted that I'm not thinking enough convicted that I'm not thinking enough convicted that I'm not thinking enough about the interest of others. And one of about the interest of others. And one of about the interest of others. And one of the ways that I can tell is that I'm the ways that I can tell is that I'm the ways that I can tell is that I'm treating other people in my life as treating other people in my life as treating other people in my life as unwelcome interruptions in my life. Like unwelcome interruptions in my life. Like unwelcome interruptions in my life. Like like they're an obstacle that I have to like they're an obstacle that I have to like they're an obstacle that I have to get past to do what I'm doing. I mean, get past to do what I'm doing. I mean, get past to do what I'm doing. I mean, this is especially true if you're like this is especially true if you're like this is especially true if you're like me and you have young kids. me and you have young kids. me and you have young kids. There can be times when, you know, There can be times when, you know, There can be times when, you know, sometimes I'm trying to rush out the sometimes I'm trying to rush out the sometimes I'm trying to rush out the door to get to something important to my door to get to something important to my door to get to something important to my 5-year-old. It's like, "Dad, I want to 5-year-old. It's like, "Dad, I want to 5-year-old. It's like, "Dad, I want to show you this Lego sculpture I made." show you this Lego sculpture I made." show you this Lego sculpture I made." I'm like, "Can it be a sculpture if it's I'm like, "Can it be a sculpture if it's I'm like, "Can it be a sculpture if it's made out of six tiny bricks? Who knows? made out of six tiny bricks? Who knows? made out of six tiny bricks? Who knows? Who am I to say?"

Who am I to say?" Who am I to say?" But I just want to encourage you. But I just want to encourage you. But I just want to encourage you. Whether it's whether it's young kids, Whether it's whether it's young kids, Whether it's whether it's young kids, whether it's your neighbors, whether whether it's your neighbors, whether whether it's your neighbors, whether it's your co-workers, the people in your it's your co-workers, the people in your it's your co-workers, the people in your life are not an interruption to your life are not an interruption to your life are not an interruption to your life. life. life. the people in your life the people in your life the people in your life are your life. are your life. are your life. Um, Um, Um, loving your neighbors, loving those loving your neighbors, loving those loving your neighbors, loving those around you is not an obstacle to what around you is not an obstacle to what around you is not an obstacle to what God called you to do. Loving those God called you to do. Loving those God called you to do. Loving those around you is what God has called you to around you is what God has called you to around you is what God has called you to do. do. do. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> The number of times God has had to >> The number of times God has had to >> The number of times God has had to remind me all the people around you and remind me all the people around you and remind me all the people around you and all the things that have needs from you all the things that have needs from you all the things that have needs from you that that you need to meet, this is not that that you need to meet, this is not that that you need to meet, this is not keeping you from living your life. This keeping you from living your life. This keeping you from living your life. This is your life and Joseph understands that is your life and Joseph understands that is your life and Joseph understands that other people are not an obstacle or or other people are not an obstacle or or other people are not an obstacle or or or just a nuisance. I want to ask you, or just a nuisance. I want to ask you, or just a nuisance. I want to ask you, is there anybody in your life who you're is there anybody in your life who you're is there anybody in your life who you're treating like a nuisance instead of treating like a nuisance instead of treating like a nuisance instead of thinking about the role that God might thinking about the role that God might thinking about the role that God might be calling you to play in their life? be calling you to play in their life? be calling you to play in their life? There may be ways that God is trying to There may be ways that God is trying to There may be ways that God is trying to provide for them through you.

provide for them through you. provide for them through you. There may be needs that God is trying to There may be needs that God is trying to There may be needs that God is trying to meet through you. And when we only see them as a something And when we only see them as a something to tolerate or get past to get back to to tolerate or get past to get back to to tolerate or get past to get back to business, business, business, we're ignoring what God has called us we're ignoring what God has called us we're ignoring what God has called us to. Some of us in this room need to get to. Some of us in this room need to get to. Some of us in this room need to get to know our neighbors. to know our neighbors. to know our neighbors. Some of y'all, I mean, I hesitate to say Some of y'all, I mean, I hesitate to say Some of y'all, I mean, I hesitate to say it, may need to go to a HOA meeting. I went to one recently. It was horrible, I went to one recently. It was horrible, but It's opportunity to build relationship It's opportunity to build relationship and to talk about what our lives look and to talk about what our lives look and to talk about what our lives look like collectively. Other people are not like collectively. Other people are not like collectively. Other people are not a nuisance. They're made in the image of a nuisance. They're made in the image of a nuisance. They're made in the image of God. And you have responsibility towards God. And you have responsibility towards God. And you have responsibility towards them. But it's not just his family that them. But it's not just his family that them. But it's not just his family that he's thinking about caring for. Look at he's thinking about caring for. Look at he's thinking about caring for. Look at um uh Genesis 47:13. um uh Genesis 47:13. um uh Genesis 47:13. Because of this famine, right, that he's Because of this famine, right, that he's Because of this famine, right, that he's helping to care for his family in, helping to care for his family in, helping to care for his family in, bringing them to Egypt, providing for bringing them to Egypt, providing for bringing them to Egypt, providing for them. It also says this 13, there was no them. It also says this 13, there was no them. It also says this 13, there was no food in the entire region, for the food in the entire region, for the food in the entire region, for the famine was very severe. the land of famine was very severe. the land of famine was very severe. the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan were Egypt and the land of Canaan were Egypt and the land of Canaan were exhausted by the famine. And so what exhausted by the famine. And so what exhausted by the famine. And so what happens is Joseph wants to use his uh happens is Joseph wants to use his uh happens is Joseph wants to use his uh resources, his closeness to Pharaoh to resources, his closeness to Pharaoh to resources, his closeness to Pharaoh to find a way to provide for those who find a way to provide for those who find a way to provide for those who don't have food. Now, one of the reasons don't have food. Now, one of the reasons don't have food. Now, one of the reasons this is interesting is that um Egyptians this is interesting is that um Egyptians this is interesting is that um Egyptians don't like Hebrews, Israelites. They do don't like Hebrews, Israelites. They do don't like Hebrews, Israelites. They do not like them. They found it detestable not like them. They found it detestable not like them. They found it detestable to even eat with them. It says they to even eat with them. It says they to even eat with them. It says they found it detestable for for people to be

found it detestable for for people to be found it detestable for for people to be shepherds. Joseph could have been like, shepherds. Joseph could have been like, shepherds. Joseph could have been like, "Y'all don't like me anyway. Sorry." "Y'all don't like me anyway. Sorry." "Y'all don't like me anyway. Sorry." That's not what Joseph does. That's not what Joseph does. That's not what Joseph does. Um, instead, Joseph is trying to figure Um, instead, Joseph is trying to figure Um, instead, Joseph is trying to figure out a way to um provide for them. So, out a way to um provide for them. So, out a way to um provide for them. So, Joseph can't just be like, "Hey, Joseph can't just be like, "Hey, Joseph can't just be like, "Hey, Pharaoh, just give them stuff cuz I Pharaoh, just give them stuff cuz I Pharaoh, just give them stuff cuz I serve uh I serve a generous God." serve uh I serve a generous God." serve uh I serve a generous God." Um, Pharaoh is not going to like that. Um, Pharaoh is not going to like that. Um, Pharaoh is not going to like that. But what he does do is he finds a way to But what he does do is he finds a way to But what he does do is he finds a way to use his influence with Pharaoh to use his influence with Pharaoh to use his influence with Pharaoh to provide for them. So, he he says, "What provide for them. So, he he says, "What provide for them. So, he he says, "What um what about silver?" And so they trade um what about silver?" And so they trade um what about silver?" And so they trade their silver. And Joseph says, "Okay, their silver. And Joseph says, "Okay, their silver. And Joseph says, "Okay, y'all can be fed." And they said, "We're y'all can be fed." And they said, "We're y'all can be fed." And they said, "We're all out of silver. We can't just die all out of silver. We can't just die all out of silver. We can't just die right before you." He says, "Okay, what right before you." He says, "Okay, what right before you." He says, "Okay, what about livestock?" Um, and then uh labor about livestock?" Um, and then uh labor about livestock?" Um, and then uh labor and land, but it keeps finding ways and land, but it keeps finding ways and land, but it keeps finding ways to care for them. Now, Joseph again to care for them. Now, Joseph again to care for them. Now, Joseph again could have said, "Y'all, it's going good could have said, "Y'all, it's going good could have said, "Y'all, it's going good for me. I I keep having to go to Pharaoh for me. I I keep having to go to Pharaoh for me. I I keep having to go to Pharaoh to ask for ways to feed y'all." But to ask for ways to feed y'all." But to ask for ways to feed y'all." But instead, he finds a way in wisdom to instead, he finds a way in wisdom to instead, he finds a way in wisdom to both serve his boss well and to care for both serve his boss well and to care for both serve his boss well and to care for others. Do not treat the needs of other others. Do not treat the needs of other others. Do not treat the needs of other people as just an unwelcome obstacle in people as just an unwelcome obstacle in people as just an unwelcome obstacle in your life. God may have sent you there your life. God may have sent you there your life. God may have sent you there to meet a need to meet a need to meet a need even from those who detest you. And they even from those who detest you. And they even from those who detest you. And they thanked Joseph for it, saying, "You have thanked Joseph for it, saying, "You have thanked Joseph for it, saying, "You have saved our lives."

saved our lives." saved our lives." He saved their life because he He saved their life because he He saved their life because he understood his role in the lives of understood his role in the lives of understood his role in the lives of others. I will say this, generosity is a others. I will say this, generosity is a others. I will say this, generosity is a function of security. We're able to be function of security. We're able to be function of security. We're able to be generous generous generous because we realize we're safe. Joseph because we realize we're safe. Joseph because we realize we're safe. Joseph understood that he served a big God who understood that he served a big God who understood that he served a big God who was with him. And so he doesn't have to was with him. And so he doesn't have to was with him. And so he doesn't have to be afraid that any kindness he does from be afraid that any kindness he does from be afraid that any kindness he does from somebody else may hurt him. He's saying, somebody else may hurt him. He's saying, somebody else may hurt him. He's saying, "God has me." Last thing I'll say is "God has me." Last thing I'll say is "God has me." Last thing I'll say is this. If you're having trouble being this. If you're having trouble being this. If you're having trouble being aware of other people, your role in aware of other people, your role in aware of other people, your role in other people's lives, something that other people's lives, something that other people's lives, something that helps is just serving. Just find a way helps is just serving. Just find a way helps is just serving. Just find a way to serve. You would be amazed at how if to serve. You would be amazed at how if to serve. You would be amazed at how if you're too wrapped up in just what's you're too wrapped up in just what's you're too wrapped up in just what's going on in your life, just serving going on in your life, just serving going on in your life, just serving other people will shake you out of that other people will shake you out of that other people will shake you out of that stuper and remind you that other people stuper and remind you that other people stuper and remind you that other people exist and have needs as well. And it's exist and have needs as well. And it's exist and have needs as well. And it's kind of a cycle that work. And then once kind of a cycle that work. And then once kind of a cycle that work. And then once you do that, you're more aware of needs you do that, you're more aware of needs you do that, you're more aware of needs and you find more ways to serve. I want and you find more ways to serve. I want and you find more ways to serve. I want to encourage you, that's a great way to to encourage you, that's a great way to to encourage you, that's a great way to form your heart and your soul is to form your heart and your soul is to form your heart and your soul is to serve others. To walk your path, you serve others. To walk your path, you serve others. To walk your path, you have to know your place one in the lives have to know your place one in the lives have to know your place one in the lives of others. And number two, in the of others. And number two, in the of others. And number two, in the future.

future. future. To know your role, you have to know your To know your role, you have to know your To know your role, you have to know your place in the future. If I was to talk to place in the future. If I was to talk to place in the future. If I was to talk to uh if I was to ask everyone in this uh if I was to ask everyone in this uh if I was to ask everyone in this room, what are your greatest fears right room, what are your greatest fears right room, what are your greatest fears right now? A lot of those fears would have to now? A lot of those fears would have to now? A lot of those fears would have to do with the future. do with the future. do with the future. Um you know, will I be a part of this Um you know, will I be a part of this Um you know, will I be a part of this next round of layoffs? Will I ever be next round of layoffs? Will I ever be next round of layoffs? Will I ever be able to conceive? Will I ever finish able to conceive? Will I ever finish able to conceive? Will I ever finish school? Will my marriage improve? school? Will my marriage improve? school? Will my marriage improve? you know, is this health thing that I'm you know, is this health thing that I'm you know, is this health thing that I'm worried about? Is that test going to worried about? Is that test going to worried about? Is that test going to come back positive? And so sometimes we come back positive? And so sometimes we come back positive? And so sometimes we respond to those, you know, fears about respond to those, you know, fears about respond to those, you know, fears about the future by trying to just get control the future by trying to just get control the future by trying to just get control of everything. We think, no, no, no. The of everything. We think, no, no, no. The of everything. We think, no, no, no. The more I can control, the more peace I can more I can control, the more peace I can more I can control, the more peace I can have. That is a lie that we tell have. That is a lie that we tell have. That is a lie that we tell ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. You are not in control. The greatest way You are not in control. The greatest way You are not in control. The greatest way to peace is acknowledging you're not in to peace is acknowledging you're not in to peace is acknowledging you're not in control and submitting to the one who control and submitting to the one who control and submitting to the one who is. is. is. And so we see this in the story. One of And so we see this in the story. One of And so we see this in the story. One of the things that happens when we read the things that happens when we read the things that happens when we read these Bible stories is um we almost these Bible stories is um we almost these Bible stories is um we almost forget that these are just regular like forget that these are just regular like forget that these are just regular like these are just regular people. So we these are just regular people. So we these are just regular people. So we think like man that would be hard if if think like man that would be hard if if think like man that would be hard if if you had to move from one place to you had to move from one place to you had to move from one place to another u because there's a famine in another u because there's a famine in another u because there's a famine in your land. But good thing these are your land. But good thing these are your land. But good thing these are Bible people cuz they're fine. No, no, Bible people cuz they're fine. No, no, Bible people cuz they're fine. No, no, no. It's hard for them too.

no. It's hard for them too. no. It's hard for them too. And there there there are more things And there there there are more things And there there there are more things going on with that in this story. But going on with that in this story. But going on with that in this story. But you know, Jacob is an old man, a father, you know, Jacob is an old man, a father, you know, Jacob is an old man, a father, and a grandfather. And Joseph is a son and a grandfather. And Joseph is a son and a grandfather. And Joseph is a son and a brother and a father. and a brother and a father. and a brother and a father. And God is sometimes upending their And God is sometimes upending their And God is sometimes upending their lives for this bigger picture. Look at lives for this bigger picture. Look at lives for this bigger picture. Look at um Genesis 46:3. um Genesis 46:3. um Genesis 46:3. God is speaking to Jacob and he says this. God said, "I am God, and he says this. God said, "I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid the God of your father. Do not be afraid the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you to go down to Egypt, for I will make you to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go into a great nation there. I will go into a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also down with you to Egypt, and I will also down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you back." Joseph will close your bring you back." Joseph will close your bring you back." Joseph will close your eyes when you die." Jacob left Beers eyes when you die." Jacob left Beers eyes when you die." Jacob left Beers Sheibba. The sons of Israel took their Sheibba. The sons of Israel took their Sheibba. The sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him along with their sent to carry him along with their sent to carry him along with their dependent and their wives. They also dependent and their wives. They also dependent and their wives. They also took their cattle and possessions they took their cattle and possessions they took their cattle and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan. Then had acquired in the land of Canaan. Then had acquired in the land of Canaan. Then Jacob and all his offspring with him Jacob and all his offspring with him Jacob and all his offspring with him came to Egypt. His sons and grandsons, came to Egypt. His sons and grandsons, came to Egypt. His sons and grandsons, his daughters and granddaughters, indeed his daughters and granddaughters, indeed his daughters and granddaughters, indeed all his offspring he brought with him to all his offspring he brought with him to all his offspring he brought with him to Egypt.

Egypt. Egypt. Now, of course, God is reiterating the Now, of course, God is reiterating the Now, of course, God is reiterating the the plans, the promises he'd already the plans, the promises he'd already the plans, the promises he'd already given his father and grandfather. He given his father and grandfather. He given his father and grandfather. He will make a great nation of them. And will make a great nation of them. And will make a great nation of them. And God is saying, "Yes, um, I understand God is saying, "Yes, um, I understand God is saying, "Yes, um, I understand this is an interruption to the plan. I'm this is an interruption to the plan. I'm this is an interruption to the plan. I'm telling you, you should go to Egypt." telling you, you should go to Egypt." telling you, you should go to Egypt." And he's reiterating, I will do what I And he's reiterating, I will do what I And he's reiterating, I will do what I said that I will do. said that I will do. said that I will do. Surely Jacob is wondering, can God be Surely Jacob is wondering, can God be Surely Jacob is wondering, can God be faithful to what he said? If now there's faithful to what he said? If now there's faithful to what he said? If now there's this famine, he's promised us this land this famine, he's promised us this land this famine, he's promised us this land and we have to go to this other land. and we have to go to this other land. and we have to go to this other land. God is saying, "This is hard. Trust me, God is saying, "This is hard. Trust me, God is saying, "This is hard. Trust me, I'm at work. I have a bigger picture at I'm at work. I have a bigger picture at I'm at work. I have a bigger picture at work. You can go to Egypt. I am going to work. You can go to Egypt. I am going to work. You can go to Egypt. I am going to provide for you there." And so, Jacob provide for you there." And so, Jacob provide for you there." And so, Jacob obeys and he takes everything to Egypt. obeys and he takes everything to Egypt. obeys and he takes everything to Egypt. Look, I I moved a few years ago. It's Look, I I moved a few years ago. It's Look, I I moved a few years ago. It's only five of us and it was horrible. only five of us and it was horrible. only five of us and it was horrible. 70. This is like 70 people that they're 70. This is like 70 people that they're 70. This is like 70 people that they're picking up and moving. And I do not picking up and moving. And I do not picking up and moving. And I do not think that they could rent U-Hauls back think that they could rent U-Hauls back think that they could rent U-Hauls back there. there. there. And they go and they trust God. One of And they go and they trust God. One of And they go and they trust God. One of my questions for you is, how do you my questions for you is, how do you my questions for you is, how do you respond respond respond when it seems that God is calling you to when it seems that God is calling you to when it seems that God is calling you to something that didn't that is not your something that didn't that is not your something that didn't that is not your plan for the future? When you get a plan for the future? When you get a plan for the future? When you get a curveball, do you listen with open curveball, do you listen with open curveball, do you listen with open hands?

hands? hands? Some of us may need to work less so we Some of us may need to work less so we Some of us may need to work less so we can love our family more. can love our family more. can love our family more. Some of us may need to make sacrifices Some of us may need to make sacrifices Some of us may need to make sacrifices to love our neighbors better. Are we to love our neighbors better. Are we to love our neighbors better. Are we open-handed enough open-handed enough open-handed enough to listen when God tells us to go? Then listen what happens in uh chapter Then listen what happens in uh chapter 46:30. 46:30. 46:30. Because now Jacob is reunited with his Because now Jacob is reunited with his Because now Jacob is reunited with his son Joseph. Right now he gets to Egypt. son Joseph. Right now he gets to Egypt. son Joseph. Right now he gets to Egypt. He hadn't seen Joseph in decades. And it He hadn't seen Joseph in decades. And it He hadn't seen Joseph in decades. And it says, "Israel said to Joseph, I'm ready says, "Israel said to Joseph, I'm ready says, "Israel said to Joseph, I'm ready to die now because I have seen your face to die now because I have seen your face to die now because I have seen your face and you are still alive." This is a and you are still alive." This is a and you are still alive." This is a joyous moment. He's seeing his son joyous moment. He's seeing his son joyous moment. He's seeing his son again. But when he says, "I'm ready to again. But when he says, "I'm ready to again. But when he says, "I'm ready to die now," it's not just because he's die now," it's not just because he's die now," it's not just because he's happy to see his son again. It's because happy to see his son again. It's because happy to see his son again. It's because seeing his son again, is a picture that seeing his son again, is a picture that seeing his son again, is a picture that God is the promisekeeping God that he God is the promisekeeping God that he God is the promisekeeping God that he said he was. It's showing that God's said he was. It's showing that God's said he was. It's showing that God's promises have not been stopped and promises have not been stopped and promises have not been stopped and interrupted by everything going on in interrupted by everything going on in interrupted by everything going on in our lives. our lives. our lives. I wonder what kind of things give you I wonder what kind of things give you I wonder what kind of things give you peace about your life and if it has peace about your life and if it has peace about your life and if it has anything to do with God's promises.

He's saying, "I'm so happy that I could He's saying, "I'm so happy that I could die now even though he's been forced to die now even though he's been forced to die now even though he's been forced to move his family to a new place." How do move his family to a new place." How do move his family to a new place." How do you gauge whether you can have joy? The you gauge whether you can have joy? The you gauge whether you can have joy? The other thing is are how much do you pay other thing is are how much do you pay other thing is are how much do you pay attention to examples that God is attention to examples that God is attention to examples that God is keeping his promises? Some of us have a keeping his promises? Some of us have a keeping his promises? Some of us have a eagle eye for something going wrong. We eagle eye for something going wrong. We eagle eye for something going wrong. We can sniff out failure in the room from a can sniff out failure in the room from a can sniff out failure in the room from a mile away. But then when there's a mile away. But then when there's a mile away. But then when there's a picture of God's doing work, we turn picture of God's doing work, we turn picture of God's doing work, we turn into Stevie Wonder. We can't see it at into Stevie Wonder. We can't see it at into Stevie Wonder. We can't see it at all. Brothers and sisters, I I want us to be Brothers and sisters, I I want us to be the kind of believers the kind of believers the kind of believers who have an eagle eye for God's grace at who have an eagle eye for God's grace at who have an eagle eye for God's grace at work, work, work, who are easily encouraged by seeing the who are easily encouraged by seeing the who are easily encouraged by seeing the spirit working in other people's lives. spirit working in other people's lives. spirit working in other people's lives. You know, that's good for um the the You know, that's good for um the the You know, that's good for um the the morale of a loving community. Some of us morale of a loving community. Some of us morale of a loving community. Some of us are great at pointing out flaws in are great at pointing out flaws in are great at pointing out flaws in people's lives, but we are not very good people's lives, but we are not very good people's lives, but we are not very good at seeing and calling out and at seeing and calling out and at seeing and calling out and encouraging where we see the spirit of encouraging where we see the spirit of encouraging where we see the spirit of God at work. God at work. God at work. Some of us are saying, "God, please show Some of us are saying, "God, please show Some of us are saying, "God, please show me a sign that you're at work." And God me a sign that you're at work." And God me a sign that you're at work." And God is like, "I keep showing you, but you're is like, "I keep showing you, but you're is like, "I keep showing you, but you're not looking."

not looking." not looking." I want to encourage you. I want to encourage you. I want to encourage you. Pay close attention. Pull out a Pay close attention. Pull out a Pay close attention. Pull out a magnifying glass. Look for all the ways. magnifying glass. Look for all the ways. magnifying glass. Look for all the ways. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That God is reminding you that he is >> That God is reminding you that he is >> That God is reminding you that he is keeping his promises in your life. keeping his promises in your life. keeping his promises in your life. >> Yeah. The last thing here I want to talk about The last thing here I want to talk about as we're talking about the future is as we're talking about the future is as we're talking about the future is that you know Jacob he so he gets to the that you know Jacob he so he gets to the that you know Jacob he so he gets to the land he lives there for 70 years. God land he lives there for 70 years. God land he lives there for 70 years. God continues to keep his promises. They continues to keep his promises. They continues to keep his promises. They continue to grow continue to grow continue to grow as a family. And this is what happens in as a family. And this is what happens in as a family. And this is what happens in 48:21. He says this to Joseph. Look, I 48:21. He says this to Joseph. Look, I 48:21. He says this to Joseph. Look, I am about to die but God will be with you am about to die but God will be with you am about to die but God will be with you and will bring you back to the land of and will bring you back to the land of and will bring you back to the land of your fathers. your fathers. your fathers. The interesting thing about him talking The interesting thing about him talking The interesting thing about him talking about death this way is usually death is about death this way is usually death is about death this way is usually death is the end of our story. the end of our story. the end of our story. I love that he says, "I'm about to die, I love that he says, "I'm about to die, I love that he says, "I'm about to die, but God will be with you." He's like, but God will be with you." He's like, but God will be with you." He's like, "I'm not going to be able to walk with "I'm not going to be able to walk with "I'm not going to be able to walk with you in this next season. Who knows you in this next season. Who knows you in this next season. Who knows what's going to come? I won't be able to what's going to come? I won't be able to what's going to come? I won't be able to see all God's promises come to pass.

see all God's promises come to pass. see all God's promises come to pass. What I do know is that God will be with What I do know is that God will be with What I do know is that God will be with you." This is someone who trusts in God's This is someone who trusts in God's promises and their role in the bigger promises and their role in the bigger promises and their role in the bigger picture. picture. picture. He still has hope even though his time He still has hope even though his time He still has hope even though his time is done. And then he gathers everyone is done. And then he gathers everyone is done. And then he gathers everyone around and he says, "Let me tell you around and he says, "Let me tell you around and he says, "Let me tell you about what's going to happen next." Now, about what's going to happen next." Now, about what's going to happen next." Now, if you are on your deathbed, I would if you are on your deathbed, I would if you are on your deathbed, I would encourage you, don't do this unless God encourage you, don't do this unless God encourage you, don't do this unless God told you what was going to happen. Don't told you what was going to happen. Don't told you what was going to happen. Don't just make up prophecies for people. But just make up prophecies for people. But just make up prophecies for people. But Jacob, Jacob, Jacob, >> God had told him what was going to >> God had told him what was going to >> God had told him what was going to happen. And so, he begins to talk to happen. And so, he begins to talk to happen. And so, he begins to talk to them about what the future will look them about what the future will look them about what the future will look like. And he trusts in God in part like. And he trusts in God in part like. And he trusts in God in part because of what he's already said because of what he's already said because of what he's already said elsewhere that God has been so faithful. elsewhere that God has been so faithful. elsewhere that God has been so faithful. He says, "The God who has been my He says, "The God who has been my He says, "The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day. The shepherd all my life to this day. The shepherd all my life to this day. The angel who is redeemed, he's like God has angel who is redeemed, he's like God has angel who is redeemed, he's like God has been faithful and I trust he'll continue been faithful and I trust he'll continue been faithful and I trust he'll continue to be." And here's what he said. So, as to be." And here's what he said. So, as to be." And here's what he said. So, as he goes through all of his sons and he he goes through all of his sons and he he goes through all of his sons and he tells them what's going to happen based tells them what's going to happen based tells them what's going to happen based on what God has shown him, one of the on what God has shown him, one of the on what God has shown him, one of the most interesting parts is when he gets most interesting parts is when he gets most interesting parts is when he gets to Judah and he talks to Judah and he to Judah and he talks to Judah and he to Judah and he talks to Judah and he talks about this scepter, this this talks about this scepter, this this talks about this scepter, this this reign that's not going to leave from the reign that's not going to leave from the reign that's not going to leave from the line of Judah. And the reason I bring line of Judah. And the reason I bring line of Judah. And the reason I bring this up is because of course we know this up is because of course we know this up is because of course we know that King David came from the tribe of that King David came from the tribe of that King David came from the tribe of Judah and that the Lord Jesus himself is Judah and that the Lord Jesus himself is Judah and that the Lord Jesus himself is a descendant of King David. Then a descendant of King David. Then a descendant of King David. Then Revelation 5 talks about Jesus as the Revelation 5 talks about Jesus as the Revelation 5 talks about Jesus as the lion from the tribe of Judah. And what's lion from the tribe of Judah. And what's lion from the tribe of Judah. And what's so incredible to me about that is that so incredible to me about that is that so incredible to me about that is that all the way back then in the book of all the way back then in the book of all the way back then in the book of Genesis, the first book in the Bible, Genesis, the first book in the Bible, Genesis, the first book in the Bible, God was already thinking about his plan God was already thinking about his plan God was already thinking about his plan to send Jesus. that in the same way that to send Jesus. that in the same way that to send Jesus. that in the same way that all the way back before the famine even

all the way back before the famine even all the way back before the famine even happened, God sent Joseph ahead in order happened, God sent Joseph ahead in order happened, God sent Joseph ahead in order to save his family. That way before you to save his family. That way before you to save his family. That way before you even existed, that God had already even existed, that God had already even existed, that God had already planned and had sent the Lord Jesus planned and had sent the Lord Jesus planned and had sent the Lord Jesus ahead for your salvation. And in a way ahead for your salvation. And in a way ahead for your salvation. And in a way that's even more amazing than salvation that's even more amazing than salvation that's even more amazing than salvation from famine. It is a salvation from from famine. It is a salvation from from famine. It is a salvation from separation from God, from not being separation from God, from not being separation from God, from not being whole, from brokenness that he sent whole, from brokenness that he sent whole, from brokenness that he sent Jesus. And one of the ways that Jesus. And one of the ways that Jesus. And one of the ways that encourages me is if I'm confused about encourages me is if I'm confused about encourages me is if I'm confused about if God's plan is big enough to endure if God's plan is big enough to endure if God's plan is big enough to endure through all of life's ups and downs. through all of life's ups and downs. through all of life's ups and downs. It's an incredible reminder that God It's an incredible reminder that God It's an incredible reminder that God already planned it way before I even already planned it way before I even already planned it way before I even existed existed existed >> and he executed that plan. This is the >> and he executed that plan. This is the >> and he executed that plan. This is the God whose bigger picture God whose bigger picture God whose bigger picture we find ourselves in. we find ourselves in. we find ourselves in. We have to know our place in the lives We have to know our place in the lives We have to know our place in the lives of others in the future. And finally, of others in the future. And finally, of others in the future. And finally, number three, in the midst of pain, we number three, in the midst of pain, we number three, in the midst of pain, we have to know our place in the midst of have to know our place in the midst of have to know our place in the midst of pain. The reason I say that is because pain. The reason I say that is because pain. The reason I say that is because pain has a way of making us just focus pain has a way of making us just focus pain has a way of making us just focus inward, inward, inward, >> right? When when we're hurting, we we're >> right? When when we're hurting, we we're >> right? When when we're hurting, we we're just thinking about our pain and how to just thinking about our pain and how to just thinking about our pain and how to care for ourselves. But what we see with care for ourselves. But what we see with care for ourselves. But what we see with Joseph is someone who has been through Joseph is someone who has been through Joseph is someone who has been through an incredible amount of pain. He doesn't an incredible amount of pain. He doesn't an incredible amount of pain. He doesn't just focus inward. And I know that um just focus inward. And I know that um just focus inward. And I know that um you talked about forgiveness a bit last you talked about forgiveness a bit last you talked about forgiveness a bit last week in the last section of text, but we week in the last section of text, but we week in the last section of text, but we still see more with Jacob's incredible still see more with Jacob's incredible still see more with Jacob's incredible forgiveness forgiveness forgiveness in this part of the text. I remember in this part of the text. I remember in this part of the text. I remember when um I first got married, I read this when um I first got married, I read this when um I first got married, I read this book and there was an insight on book and there was an insight on book and there was an insight on forgiveness that I've never been able to forgiveness that I've never been able to forgiveness that I've never been able to forget where he reminded me in this book

forget where he reminded me in this book forget where he reminded me in this book that um our spouses when they sin that um our spouses when they sin that um our spouses when they sin against us are not only sinning against against us are not only sinning against against us are not only sinning against us, they're primarily sinning against us, they're primarily sinning against us, they're primarily sinning against God. God. God. And then when we only think about it as And then when we only think about it as And then when we only think about it as a sin against us, we're not able to a sin against us, we're not able to a sin against us, we're not able to respond. So let's say my wife, now I'm respond. So let's say my wife, now I'm respond. So let's say my wife, now I'm going to make something up. I'm not going to make something up. I'm not going to make something up. I'm not going to bring up my wife's actual sins going to bring up my wife's actual sins going to bring up my wife's actual sins here. That would be rude. Um, but let's here. That would be rude. Um, but let's here. That would be rude. Um, but let's say my wife was a liar. She's not, for say my wife was a liar. She's not, for say my wife was a liar. She's not, for the record, not a liar. She doesn't lie the record, not a liar. She doesn't lie the record, not a liar. She doesn't lie to me. But let's say she lied to me. If to me. But let's say she lied to me. If to me. But let's say she lied to me. If my response is, "How dare you even think my response is, "How dare you even think my response is, "How dare you even think about lying to someone as important as about lying to someone as important as about lying to someone as important as me?" And that's where it stops. I have me?" And that's where it stops. I have me?" And that's where it stops. I have not served her or loved her well. not served her or loved her well. not served her or loved her well. Because this is my life is not just a Because this is my life is not just a Because this is my life is not just a story about me. We are two characters, story about me. We are two characters, story about me. We are two characters, two sinners in a story about a big God. two sinners in a story about a big God. two sinners in a story about a big God. And so what I want to think about is how And so what I want to think about is how And so what I want to think about is how can I help my wife can I help my wife can I help my wife and how she relates to God to not be a and how she relates to God to not be a and how she relates to God to not be a liar. The best and most healthy thing liar. The best and most healthy thing liar. The best and most healthy thing for her is not just to consider her just for her is not just to consider her just for her is not just to consider her just a character in my story. Some of our a character in my story. Some of our a character in my story. Some of our marriages, I think, would be more marriages, I think, would be more marriages, I think, would be more healthy if instead of just thinking healthy if instead of just thinking healthy if instead of just thinking about our spouse's actions and how they about our spouse's actions and how they about our spouse's actions and how they relate to us, if we thought about our relate to us, if we thought about our relate to us, if we thought about our spouse's actions and how they relate to spouse's actions and how they relate to spouse's actions and how they relate to God in this bigger picture. And this is God in this bigger picture. And this is God in this bigger picture. And this is what Joseph does here. So his brothers, what Joseph does here. So his brothers, what Joseph does here. So his brothers, their dad dies, they're worried. Uh their dad dies, they're worried. Uh their dad dies, they're worried. Uh Genesis 50:15.

Genesis 50:15. Genesis 50:15. It says this, "When Joseph's brothers It says this, "When Joseph's brothers It says this, "When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they saw that their father was dead, they saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, if Joseph is said to one another, if Joseph is said to one another, if Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will holding a grudge against us, he will holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering certainly repay us for all the suffering certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him." Like, stop for a moment. we caused him." Like, stop for a moment. we caused him." Like, stop for a moment. You can tell they feel guilty. This is You can tell they feel guilty. This is You can tell they feel guilty. This is if this is one of their first thoughts if this is one of their first thoughts if this is one of their first thoughts after their dad died. after their dad died. after their dad died. And then they say this. Now, this part I And then they say this. Now, this part I And then they say this. Now, this part I I'm not they might be lying. I'm not I'm not they might be lying. I'm not I'm not they might be lying. I'm not sure. Um, sure. Um, sure. Um, listen. Because they sent a message to listen. Because they sent a message to listen. Because they sent a message to Joseph. Hey, before he died, your father Joseph. Hey, before he died, your father Joseph. Hey, before he died, your father gave a command. Say this to Joseph. gave a command. Say this to Joseph. gave a command. Say this to Joseph. Please forgive your brothers Please forgive your brothers Please forgive your brothers transgression in their sin, the transgression in their sin, the transgression in their sin, the suffering they caused you. I mean, did suffering they caused you. I mean, did suffering they caused you. I mean, did he say that? I don't know. It's pretty he say that? I don't know. It's pretty he say that? I don't know. It's pretty convenient. Hey, before dad died, he convenient. Hey, before dad died, he convenient. Hey, before dad died, he said, "Give me $1,000." He said it. said, "Give me $1,000." He said it. said, "Give me $1,000." He said it. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. But they said, "So therefore, please But they said, "So therefore, please But they said, "So therefore, please forgive the transgressions of the forgive the transgressions of the forgive the transgressions of the servants of God of your father." Here's servants of God of your father." Here's servants of God of your father." Here's how Joseph responds. Joseph wept when how Joseph responds. Joseph wept when how Joseph responds. Joseph wept when their message came to him and said, "We their message came to him and said, "We their message came to him and said, "We are," they said, "we are your slaves." are," they said, "we are your slaves." are," they said, "we are your slaves." Uh, his brothers also came to him, bowed Uh, his brothers also came to him, bowed Uh, his brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, "We are your down before him, and said, "We are your down before him, and said, "We are your slaves." But Joseph said to them, "Don't slaves." But Joseph said to them, "Don't slaves." But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me. God planned it planned evil against me. God planned it planned evil against me. God planned it for good to bring about the present for good to bring about the present for good to bring about the present result, the survival of many people.

result, the survival of many people. result, the survival of many people. Therefore, don't be afraid. I will take Therefore, don't be afraid. I will take Therefore, don't be afraid. I will take care of you and your children. And he care of you and your children. And he care of you and your children. And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. comforted them and spoke kindly to them. comforted them and spoke kindly to them. This is radical forgiveness. This is radical forgiveness. This is radical forgiveness. Some of us when we forgive, we forgive a Some of us when we forgive, we forgive a Some of us when we forgive, we forgive a little bit like I forgive you, but only little bit like I forgive you, but only little bit like I forgive you, but only because Jesus said I did. You're lucky because Jesus said I did. You're lucky because Jesus said I did. You're lucky Jesus said that. Jesus said that. Jesus said that. That's not what Jesus does. Some of us That's not what Jesus does. Some of us That's not what Jesus does. Some of us like the credit of having forgiven like the credit of having forgiven like the credit of having forgiven people while also wanting them to still people while also wanting them to still people while also wanting them to still feel, feel, feel, you know, the pressure that. But just so you know, the pressure that. But just so you know, the pressure that. But just so you know, I didn't forget what you did. you know, I didn't forget what you did. you know, I didn't forget what you did. That's not what Joseph does. He That's not what Joseph does. He That's not what Joseph does. He completely says, uh, I forgive you. Do completely says, uh, I forgive you. Do completely says, uh, I forgive you. Do not be afraid. And he speaks kindly to not be afraid. And he speaks kindly to not be afraid. And he speaks kindly to them and promises to care for them. them and promises to care for them. them and promises to care for them. This is radical forgiveness This is radical forgiveness This is radical forgiveness that we are uniquely and able to do that we are uniquely and able to do that we are uniquely and able to do because that's the way we have been because that's the way we have been because that's the way we have been forgiven by Jesus. forgiven by Jesus. forgiven by Jesus. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Sometimes the the self-righteousness Sometimes the the self-righteousness Sometimes the the self-righteousness that cannot believe that another person that cannot believe that another person that cannot believe that another person was sin against you forgets about how was sin against you forgets about how was sin against you forgets about how kind God has been in forgiven us for kind God has been in forgiven us for kind God has been in forgiven us for sinning against him in much greater sinning against him in much greater sinning against him in much greater ways.

ways. ways. We should be the forgiveness people. We should be the forgiveness people. We should be the forgiveness people. We're the ones who have been forgiven We're the ones who have been forgiven We're the ones who have been forgiven greatly by God. Now, that does not take greatly by God. Now, that does not take greatly by God. Now, that does not take away from what people do. They still away from what people do. They still away from what people do. They still have responsibility. But God has called have responsibility. But God has called have responsibility. But God has called us to this kind of radical forgiveness. us to this kind of radical forgiveness. us to this kind of radical forgiveness. It is a great way for you to show what It is a great way for you to show what It is a great way for you to show what Jesus looks like in your life to forgive Jesus looks like in your life to forgive Jesus looks like in your life to forgive people. And it doesn't have you can people. And it doesn't have you can people. And it doesn't have you can forgive people even who did something to forgive people even who did something to forgive people even who did something to you a long time ago as Joseph does here. you a long time ago as Joseph does here. you a long time ago as Joseph does here. And I think it is very powerful that And I think it is very powerful that And I think it is very powerful that Joseph seeing the big picture is saying Joseph seeing the big picture is saying Joseph seeing the big picture is saying you meant it for evil but God meant it you meant it for evil but God meant it you meant it for evil but God meant it for good. It's hard to understand how for good. It's hard to understand how for good. It's hard to understand how someone could do evil and it was still someone could do evil and it was still someone could do evil and it was still part of God's plan for good. There's one part of God's plan for good. There's one part of God's plan for good. There's one author who who helpfully said that um author who who helpfully said that um author who who helpfully said that um that God does by their hands what he that God does by their hands what he that God does by their hands what he himself has decreed. So it's like um God himself has decreed. So it's like um God himself has decreed. So it's like um God had a plan, they do evil and God uses had a plan, they do evil and God uses had a plan, they do evil and God uses their evil act to do what he already their evil act to do what he already their evil act to do what he already planned to do. And family that should give us a kind of And family that should give us a kind of peace and hope like nothing else. If peace and hope like nothing else. If peace and hope like nothing else. If even when someone tries to do the worst even when someone tries to do the worst even when someone tries to do the worst harm to me, God just uses that action to harm to me, God just uses that action to harm to me, God just uses that action to do good to me. If even when you plot and do good to me. If even when you plot and do good to me. If even when you plot and plan and do evil, God uses it as part of plan and do evil, God uses it as part of plan and do evil, God uses it as part of his good plan, then what could you ever his good plan, then what could you ever his good plan, then what could you ever do to me?

Even your worst Even your worst Even your worst intentions get Even your worst intentions get Even your worst intentions get superseded by God's good intentions. Oh, we serve a sovereign and good God. Oh, we serve a sovereign and good God. Even when people are up to evil in your Even when people are up to evil in your Even when people are up to evil in your life, God is up to good. You know, when life, God is up to good. You know, when life, God is up to good. You know, when you haven't heard from somebody in a you haven't heard from somebody in a you haven't heard from somebody in a long time, you're like, "Man, I wonder long time, you're like, "Man, I wonder long time, you're like, "Man, I wonder what they up to." You know what God is what they up to." You know what God is what they up to." You know what God is up to? Good. up to? Good. up to? Good. All the time for all of eternity. All the time for all of eternity. All the time for all of eternity. Sometimes you haven't heard from Sometimes you haven't heard from Sometimes you haven't heard from somebody in a long time and you find out somebody in a long time and you find out somebody in a long time and you find out they're not doing well. Maybe there's they're not doing well. Maybe there's they're not doing well. Maybe there's scandal. Maybe there's difficulty with scandal. Maybe there's difficulty with scandal. Maybe there's difficulty with God. There is never scandal. Look into God. There is never scandal. Look into God. There is never scandal. Look into it. What is God up to? Goodness. What is it. What is God up to? Goodness. What is it. What is God up to? Goodness. What is God up to? Love. What is God up to? God up to? Love. What is God up to? God up to? Love. What is God up to? Righteousness, goodness, Righteousness, goodness, Righteousness, goodness, always. always. always. And that's the God who's saying you're And that's the God who's saying you're And that's the God who's saying you're part of this bigger picture. part of this bigger picture. part of this bigger picture. It's not discouraging that that our part It's not discouraging that that our part It's not discouraging that that our part is just a part of his bigger picture is just a part of his bigger picture is just a part of his bigger picture because it is a beautiful bigger picture because it is a beautiful bigger picture because it is a beautiful bigger picture to be a part of. to be a part of. to be a part of. And we see that in the lives of Jacob And we see that in the lives of Jacob And we see that in the lives of Jacob and Joseph. The reason that that that and Joseph. The reason that that that and Joseph. The reason that that that Joseph can't forgive is because he Joseph can't forgive is because he Joseph can't forgive is because he understands God understands God understands God God's plan cannot be overtaken.

God's plan cannot be overtaken. God's plan cannot be overtaken. In chapter 50, Joseph is dying. And he In chapter 50, Joseph is dying. And he In chapter 50, Joseph is dying. And he says something similar to what Jacob says something similar to what Jacob says something similar to what Jacob said. said. said. Verse 24, Joseph said to his brothers, Verse 24, Joseph said to his brothers, Verse 24, Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die, but God will "I am about to die, but God will "I am about to die, but God will certainly come to your aid and bring you certainly come to your aid and bring you certainly come to your aid and bring you up from this land to the land he swore up from this land to the land he swore up from this land to the land he swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." So to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." So to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." So Joseph made the sons of Israel take an Joseph made the sons of Israel take an Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath. When God comes to your aid, you oath. When God comes to your aid, you oath. When God comes to your aid, you are to carry my bones up from here. are to carry my bones up from here. are to carry my bones up from here. Joseph died at the age of 110. They Joseph died at the age of 110. They Joseph died at the age of 110. They embalmed him and placed him in a coffin embalmed him and placed him in a coffin embalmed him and placed him in a coffin in Egypt. in Egypt. in Egypt. Joseph dies. And I what I find very Joseph dies. And I what I find very Joseph dies. And I what I find very interesting is that this book Genesis interesting is that this book Genesis interesting is that this book Genesis that began with the creation of life, it that began with the creation of life, it that began with the creation of life, it ends with the death of one of our our ends with the death of one of our our ends with the death of one of our our favorite characters. favorite characters. favorite characters. But that does not mean it's the end of But that does not mean it's the end of But that does not mean it's the end of the story. and he's saying, "I'm dying, the story. and he's saying, "I'm dying, the story. and he's saying, "I'm dying, but God will continue to do what he but God will continue to do what he but God will continue to do what he promised to do." promised to do." promised to do." And that's true of all of our stories is that God is at work with the bigger is that God is at work with the bigger picture. I'll close by saying this. picture. I'll close by saying this. picture. I'll close by saying this. Joseph was an incredible example of Joseph was an incredible example of Joseph was an incredible example of forgiveness that we could follow and and forgiveness that we could follow and and forgiveness that we could follow and and we watch him do it and then he dies. But we watch him do it and then he dies. But we watch him do it and then he dies. But there is someone named Jesus who was an there is someone named Jesus who was an there is someone named Jesus who was an incredible picture of forgiveness, an incredible picture of forgiveness, an incredible picture of forgiveness, an incredible example. And he did die, but incredible example. And he did die, but incredible example. And he did die, but then he got up from the grave.

then he got up from the grave. then he got up from the grave. >> Not just as an example of forgiveness, >> Not just as an example of forgiveness, >> Not just as an example of forgiveness, but as the one who forgave us and the but as the one who forgave us and the but as the one who forgave us and the one who empowers us to forgive. He got one who empowers us to forgive. He got one who empowers us to forgive. He got up from the grave and then called us to up from the grave and then called us to up from the grave and then called us to come after him into a life of come after him into a life of come after him into a life of forgiveness and wholeness and love and forgiveness and wholeness and love and forgiveness and wholeness and love and joy. joy. joy. And my prayer is that God would And my prayer is that God would And my prayer is that God would give us the grace to see that bigger give us the grace to see that bigger give us the grace to see that bigger picture and want all of our life to picture and want all of our life to picture and want all of our life to exist in there. Right? to be able to exist in there. Right? to be able to exist in there. Right? to be able to walk our path because we know our