One of God’s many names are “I AM.” In the book of Moses, it says “I AM sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14) It makes me think every time we introduce ourselves to others with the words, “I AM,” is a way of putting God first. I AM Biz. Or in tonight’s bible study lesson, I AM Joseph. Not to say that we are God. Basically, saying I AM is God and then saying our name afterwards. God, then me. It has been a statement of words that has been sticking out to me more as I read the Bible or listen to messages. I AM is the ultimate statement of self-sufficiency, self-existence, and immediate presence that only God has the ability to fulfill. This is similar to the New Testament statement, “I am the Alpha and Omega, who is and who was and who is to come. (Revelation 1:8)
The Coat of Many Colors…
The Joseph I have been learning about is Israel (or Jacob’s) son. He tells his brothers, I am Joseph, your brother, whom you have sold into slavery. When they realized who he was, they knew clearly what they had done and everything surfaced. However, Joseph said it with a nonchalant manner. This can only be done through God’s strength and the forgiveness Joseph extended to his brothers. In the message tonight, the question was asked on when Joseph forgave his brothers. From forgiving others, I know that it’s not a one and done deal. Forgiveness has to happen repeatedly until full healing takes place. When you are restored, the hurt will no longer rise to the surface of your emotions.
Unforgiveness…
When we are not willing to forgive, we are acting as if we have power over the other person. That’s not the case. Any unforgiveness traps us and our rival. It actually traps us more than our rival. Unforgiveness hurts the unforgiver more than the person needing to be forgiven. There is a command to forgive if you want to be forgiven. Therefore, if you don’t choose forgiveness, God will let you know He never knew you. Refusing to give forgiveness is like taking poison and hoping the other person would die. God sacrificed His only begotten Son for our sins, this includes unforgiveness. We need only to repent and turn away from our sins and He will toss them as far as the east is to the west.
Our Example…
Many people in the Bible demonstrate forgiveness. The story of the unmerciful servant who received mercy first. (Matthew 18:21-35) Then, look at Jesus as He died on the cross for our sins. He states, “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Jesus said this after being wrongfully accused, beaten, bruised, and rejected. Jesus felt all this and more during His time on Earth. Just look at all the stories that took place. Even His own disciples doubting and having issues, Jesus endured and forgave. He didn’t carry unforgiveness at all. He gave it to His heavenly Father for it to be tossed as far as the East is from the West. What a good and merciful Father we have in heaven.
Forgiveness in my life…
I have had many to forgive in my lifetime. Some that are really hard to work on. This is shown when you work on forgiving in heart, deed, and action. Sometimes, it’s only safe to forgive in heart. I have a few people that I can put in this category. It would not be safe for me to go to them and forgive them. One wasn’t safe, but God made a way and had me forgive him to allow a place for generational iniquities to be broke for his children and his children’s children. Another who is a family member. Then those who I don’t see in life since the incident with them. That may be because they moved away or I never really knew them and I don’t know where to find them. In all things, forgive, let go and let God. Trust Him and His timing.
Was it easy?
Forgiveness took time and learning. In one area, I was taught to say, “I forgive them, Father, so I can be free.” Revenge is mine, saith the Lord. He will bring down revenge on their sin as He does to me for my sin. That may not feel like enough to the person who hurt me, but then I don’t want a harsh punishment either. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Depending on the level of hurt and damage, depends on the ease. I find it easier to forgive those who I am not around daily. We are to forgive not just 7 times, but 70 x 7. (Matthew 18:22) I can forgive others and still have boundaries that keep me safe and away from them. It’s ok to do this. I’m ok to do this.
Release and Don’t Pick Back Up…
I find it so easy to pick back up the unforgiveness and bitterness after releasing it to God. It says, the heart is deceitful. The heart carries a multitude of sins. With that thought, how much wrath from our sins and pain did Jesus really endure? Could He feel every lash, or was He spared of that? I believe He felt all of the weight, which is why He cried blood in His tears. Knowing this, somehow, I still pick up the baggage. I need to release it to God and let Him carry it and work through it for me. It can’t be done in my strength, but His. Yet, I pick it back up sometimes. I then try to remember to give it back to God to be free of it and make the burden lighter. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. (Matthew 11:30)
It’s Impossible…
Yes, it is impossible to do it in your own fleshly strength. In our weakness, God is our strength. We can’t heal, move, breathe, fight, or do much of anything without God. When we try, we go in circles of insanity until we stop, focus on Jesus, pray, and move in Him. I have ruined so many relationships and things without God’s help. I spent years fighting a craving to smoke cigarettes, 20 to be exact. When I invited God into it, the craving dissipated and left. All those years, it could have been gone. Yet, I did it in my own strength till I didn’t. So many things have been kept and carried for so many years when all I needed to do was invite God into the equation. What a mighty God we serve.
Some nuggets from the Bible study…
Stay tender and moveable. Bless those you think you have the right to punish. Forgive in heart, deed, and action. Be a ruler who rescues as Joseph did with his family. Embrace God’s perspective. He looked at the hurting, poor, and drunkards. There was good in them, regardless of their current state of mind. God can redeem any who ask, seek, and find Him. Remember how much we’ve been forgiven. Murder can be done without ending a life. A lot of the 10 commandments have other ways of that you can interpret them. Surrender pain and everything to God. Pray for those who wrong you. Trust God’s timing. Who is God to you? Do you believe and trust in Him?
God’s timing…
God’s timing is always perfect. He sees the big picture you and I can’t fathom. He knows every piece to the puzzle. Again, our hearts are deceitful. We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. We are nothing without Him. You may want to slow down the timeline or speed it up, but God has the right timing. I have seen it over and over again in many situations and stories. Like last post where I was reunited with a previous high school classmate. He gives us little nuggets and gifts, even through those we don’t like. What an amazing God and Father we serve as He sent His son Jesus to serve us. Such a beautiful picture.
Prayer…
Heavenly Father, I lift up the readers of this message where they are at. I ask that you help them to forgive those who hurt them. Even forgiving themselves for what they tolerated or have done to others. Guide them through this holiday season. Lead them step by step. Bring them gifts that only You know about them and lead them to what they need as they need it. Thank You for Your provision and help. Show us how to end the year and keep You, Lord, at the front of our days. Lead us in Your ways and don’t let us depart from it. Help us not grow weak and weary in our journey. We lift this up to You, In Jesus’ mighty and precious name, Amen.