Prayer: Forgiving Father, we are thankful sin does not have the last word. Your love and mercy can bring good out of evil. Amen
Reading: Genesis 50: 15-21 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: My Bible titles this part of the Joseph story, “Joseph Forgives His Brothers.” I read through it carefully looking for the word forgive and found it in reference to the father(s) not the brothers. Interesting. The brothers approach Joseph basically with, “Before dad died he told us to beg you to forgive us.” Joseph responded, “Am I in the place of God?” So, is the title, “Joseph Forgives His Brothers” really what happened seeing as the brothers seemed to be saying it was dad who asked for them to be forgiven and Joseph seemed to be leaving the matter to the Father? Clearly asking for forgiveness can be oh so difficult and granting forgiveness can only be done with God’s mercy in our hearts. I think the truth comes out in the tears. Joseph wept; the brothers wept. Then the words of reassurance and kindness from Joseph – Do not be afraid. Have no fear. I will provide. Good came out of evil. How have you experienced or witnessed God at work to bring good out of evil circumstances? --Ruth Gates
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