Dysfunctional family.

Genesis 50:21
Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

They sold their brother into slavery.  They lied to their father and told him that Joseph had been killed.  They found out he was the prince of Egypt.  They were reconciled to him.  He prospered them, protected them, and provided for them.  When their father died, they believed all he had done was only temporary.  They believed that he would come for them; they believed he hadn’t really forgiven them.

This is the story of Joseph and his family in a nutshell.  If ever there was a dysfunctional family, it was this one.  Multiple children from multiple wives.  A father who loved one child more than the rest.   Eleven brothers who conspired against one.  Lies, deception, bloodshed, slavery, more lies, prison, famine, sadness, unforgiveness, and all of the same issues that plague our lives today were present in the lineage of God’s chosen people.  

Our world looks today a lot like Joseph’s family did back then.  We all suffer with brokenness in our families.  We all have lied; we all have fallen short of the expectations of our families and loved ones.  But this isn’t just about our families; it’s about our relationship with God.  We’ve all sinned; we’ve all failed to meet God’s holy requirements (Romans 3:23).  We’re all part of the dysfunctional, broken up family of God.

But God, like Joseph, has forgiven us of all of our wrongdoing.  He, through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, has graciously paid the price for our sin debt.  Not only has He forgiven us, but He has provided a way, through Jesus, to prosper us, heal our hurts, and give us abundance of life.  

The unfortunate truth is that a lot of people, a lot of Christians, aren’t believing the forgiveness is for real, forever.  They aren’t believing that it is final forgiveness, granted eternally through the cross.  There are people who think that God is still mad at them.  They think that He is waiting for His opportunity to pour out His holy wrath on them.

This warped perception of who God is and how God acts has kept Christians from fully receiving all of the benefits that are ours through the finished work of Jesus Christ.  Like Joseph’s brothers, we, in some cases, have come to believe that it’s too good to last.  We think that God’s goodness is temporary and that His wrath is eternal.  The truth is this: His forgiveness is eternal and His wrath is exhausted.  He satisfied His wrath in the body of Jesus Christ.

Notice the words of Joseph.  Even after being wrongly accused of plotting against his brothers, Joseph responds with love, forgiveness, and grace.  Instead of saying, “I can’t believe this is what you think of me!”  Joseph responds with, “...do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.”

Friends, this is exactly what our God is saying to you today.  Even though you may have lived with disbelief or unbelief, even though you may have inaccurately understood who He is, God can’t help but be gracious toward you.  It’s not because of you, however, but because of Jesus.  Jesus’ overpayment on the cross exceeded God’s wrath.  The sacrifice was greater than the fire!  Because of Jesus, when God looks at you, even in your moments of unbelief of His love for you, He says, “Do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones!”