SCRIPTURE: Genesis (NIV) 50:15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
OBSERVATION: Isaac was dead and now his sons feared that without Isaac’s influence Joseph might remember how they had sold him into slavery and take revenge against them. Joseph understood that God has sent him to Egypt for the salvation of the family. Isaac’s death did not change those facts and did not change Joseph. His authority was a gift from God to enable him to serve his family; he would not use it for revenge or to serve himself.
APPLICATION: Authority is the right to make decisions and to hold others accountable. Only God has authority because He is worthy. Any authority I have is delegated authority which means I must give an account for how I use it.
Authority is a gift from God to make me a better servant. It is not to be used for selfish gain or to make things easier for myself.
PRAYER: Lord, teach me to use authority for Your glory and for the good of others. I pray for President Trump and Vice-President Vance to use their authority with great wisdom. Grant that these new national leaders have self-control and not use their authority for selfish actions or for revenge. Oh Lord, be glorified in our nation I pray. Amen
Pastor Leon
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