Come Close
Read This Week: Genesis 45
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” – Genesis 45:1-4 NIV
The pivotal moment that we have been angling toward and anticipating these last several weeks in our study finally arrives in verse 1 of Genesis 45. The Bible says no one was with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. when Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers. Overwhelmed with emotion, Joseph declares, I am Joseph! Is my father still alive? (v.3). What follows is a powerful reunion and reconciliation between this family that culminates in an improbable occasion of forgiveness and a restored relationship.
Despite the deep wounds inflicted by his brother’s betrayal, Joseph chooses to forgive. He recognizes that holding onto bitterness only perpetuates the cycle of pain and suffering. Joseph’s forgiveness demonstrates the transformative power of letting go and extending grace to those who have wronged us and made us feel small and insignificant. His revelation of his true identity does something important and exposes his vulnerability. Joseph takes a significant risk by unveiling his past and inviting his brothers into his life. Yet, this vulnerable move paves the way for reconciliation that he greatly wanted. He understood that true reconciliation necessitates honesty, openness, and a willingness to embrace discomfort.
Joseph’s movement toward his brothers restores their fractured relationship. What was once marked by animosity and betrayal is now characterized by love and reconciliation. It illustrates the redemptive power of forgiveness and the possibility of healing broken relationships when it seems all is lost. Holding onto hatred, resentment, and anger only weigh us down and stop our ability to move forward and even to love others. Just as Joseph chose to forgive his brothers, we can experience freedom by letting go of bitterness and extending forgiveness to those who have wronged us.
One of the most rewarding and fulfilling things we can do in life is to work towards true reconciliation. But it requires one of the most challenging things—vulnerability and authenticity. But, when we are willing to share our stories and vulnerabilities, we create opportunities for healing and connection. The ultimate goal of reconciliation is to restore a connection and reclaim what was lost. We should desire restoration and not retribution or revenge; instead of holding onto grudges, we should pursue a connection just as Jesus pursued us. We should make every effort to rebuild relationships and highlight reconciliation because that is the accurate picture of God’s heart and a true representation of Christ’s glory.
May we not be bitter or resistant to give others the grace God has shown us. May we say and posture ourselves, like Joseph in the pivotal moments where the opportunities for restoration and forgiveness present themselves, “Come close to me.” (v.4) It is not easy in our lives and amid our pain, but doing so points toward the power of God and leads to amazing blessings.
Genesis 45
God directed my attention to:
24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!”
He said to me on this:
“When you are given a clear directive from Me it is always best to try not to muddy the directive with thoughts and questions and doubts. Instead, embrace what and why the directive is being given to you so that you may relish in your acceptance and execution of it. It is easy to get sidetracked in life but the more you can find it within yourself to focus on your path, the more powerful in spirit you will become.”
Somewhat speechless after this from God as it is so clear and concise. When God pulls us in a direction (we know when that happens – its a surreal feeling) its important to stay on that path. Don’t chase the miracle, chase Him. The best part is, if we are ever confused, we can always pray to Him for clarity.
Genesis Chapter 45 Verse 24
So he sent his brothers away, and they departed, and he said to them, See that you do not disagree, (get excited, quarrel) along the road.
~Go In Love~
God Is Saying To Me:
My child, I love you just as much as I loved Joseph. Joseph and I went through much in his life. He was obedient to me and my promises carried him through all of his disappointments and tribulations. He kept his focus and commitment on me and I blessed him by reversing evil done to him into greatness to share with others. Joseph forgave his brothers and sent them back to Canaan to retrieve Israel and the family to be reunited once again. He wanted his brothers to trust the process and not be afraid. You see, Joseph is blessing his family in love, just like I have blessed Joseph and will bless you too. Always remember to keep your eyes on the prize and keep surrendering to me!
What This Means To Me:
1. God is capable of turning evil actions into good. We must suffer temporarily but always remember good prevails for those called according to God’s purpose. (Romans 8:28)
2. We can trust and rely on God’s love that carries us through difficult times to become stronger in our faith and to share those blessings and lessons learned with others that need evil turned into good, too.
3. Rest assured and easy that God will help us feel secure and confident in our future with Him just like Joseph wanted his brothers and father, Israel, to feel confident and secure returning to Egypt with their entire household to live.
4. Trust God’s process to restore heartaches into triumphs and victories into action!! ❤️
This is what I got from Genesis 45. In this chapter Joseph acknowledged what his brothers did to him, yet he saw that My purpose in it all was greater than the evil of his brothers. All of Joseph’s sorrows were for a purpose. No matter the sorrows you go through, I will turn it around for My glory. All of what you go through, will not be for loss. I want you to realize that I rule your life, not people, not circumstances, or fate. I am in control, and because I am in control, all things work together for good. The only way people will know Jesus is alive, is if you tell them His words, and show them My blessings in your life. The testimony of faith came from Israel, and not Jacob. I reveal to you that forgiveness is a blessing that frees you from pain and anger. It allows Me as your Father to forgive your sins against Me and others. I reveal that My forgiveness can also free the person who committed the sin from guilt and self-hatred. It is easier for you to forgive others when you accept that I am in control of your life, causing all things to work together for My greater good. I also reveal that true spirit-led forgiveness allows Me to pour out My blessings on you and others. It allows for true peace and reconciliation.
What this said to me is I need to recognize God rules My life and not anything from the world. I need to continue to show others that Jesus is alive, by sharing God’s word, by praying with others, by serving, others and by obeying God. God’s forgiveness can free me from guilt and self-hatred when I sin. I just have to truly trust God, and he will use all things I go through for good.
Do you ever feel like you’re making life more difficult, harder than it needs to be? Does this remind you of tough times from the past, or are you experiencing them right now?
We humans often struggle unnecessarily, turning minor issues into major obstacles. We allow unmet expectations to hurt our feelings, harden our hearts, erect walls, and succumb to bitterness and resentment.
Interestingly, you don’t see animals behaving this way, yet we pride ourselves on our intelligence and humanity.
I’m learning that difficulties can be beneficial. Challenges present opportunities to demonstrate our true character. Complex relationships offer chances to extend grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love, even when they seem undeserved.
I’m discovering that God is in control and His plans are good and perfect. Even when circumstances are tough and confusing, trusting in His guidance consistently proves wise. Following His lead always yields positive outcomes, allowing me to witness His influence in my life and the lives of those around me.
He brings us together, repairs relationships, heals broken hearts, and bestows upon us His peace, love, and unity.
1. God is in control, and His plans are good and perfect.
2. Life may not always be easy, but with God’s help, we can persevere. We must do our part and act rightly.
3. The Lord is our redeemer and restorer, and with Him, life for us can be in unity, peace, and love.
PODCAST
This Week in the Life: Genesis 45
For the best experience, we suggest you listen to the first song, the message, and the second song.
1. Sunday Worship – First Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240519-Worship1.wav
2. Sunday Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240519-Message.wav
3. Sunday Worship – Second Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240519-Worship2.wav
Join the Party Line Live – Schedule: https://reachchurch.org/connect
This week I got a song in Genesis chapter 45
Blessed
we are blessed blessed because we have an awesome God an awesome God he gave his life so we could be free of debt free of debt . Our sins are forgiven Our sins are forgiven and washed away. We are truly last blessed because he loves us because he loves us, so let’s stand with the Lord learning and sharing his love He gives us strength when we are weak He gives us joy when we are sad He heals our heart when they are broken what an awesome God we have what an awesome God we have. We are blessed blessed we are children of the Lord
Amen
we all go through things in our lives like a roller coaster we have ups and down but with God its always amazing. He loves being in the middle helping us through everything. Amen.
It’s the best thing you can do for your heart first is to forgive, overcome
When you overcome you succeed in dealing with a problem or a difficult situation. To be a overcomer is to accomplish the purpose for which God designed for us. He gives us the power to overcome, father. God gives us what we need to forgive and to let go, and it makes us more like Jesus.
Thank You God for your love and teaching us more and more to be like Jesus to be quick to forgive. Because relationships are important to you we love you.
This song is a wonderful song about forgiveness. It’s all you have to do is ask father God to help you through your difficult situation. He is with you always.❤️
Forgiveness
Matthew West
It’s the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those who don’t deserve
It’s the opposite of how you feel
When they pain they caused is just too real
Takes everything you have to say the word
Forgiveness, forgiveness
It flies in the face of all your pride
It moves away the mad inside
It’s always anger’s own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you’ve got a right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying set it free
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
It’ll clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what its power can do
So let it go and be amazed by what you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
I want finally set it free
Show me how to see what your mercy sees
Help me now to give what You gave to me
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness, forgiveness