We all have to deal with grief or those who have hurt us deeply. We need God’s help for perfect healing.

1 – Words of grace (49:1-12)

A Christian is to finish well. Jacob’s memory is remarkable. He had got to know them very well. He had not handled them wisely in the beginning. He was wiser now. He had learned from his mistakes. So should we! Jacob dies well because he lived well.

2 – Words of grief (50:1-14)

Grief is a process. It can take a longer time for some and shorter for others.

• The funeral service is important. Emotions need to be expressed and should not be suppressed.
• Memories are important. Recovery from grief takes time. For example your children gather memories of you today that they take with them.

3 – Words of forgiveness (50:15-26)

The greatest thing you can receive from God is forgiveness. The greatest thing you can give someone else is forgiveness. A crisis will show a family’s true relationships.

• They had big fears (vs. 15). Like God, Joseph forgives and forgets.
• They had a theology (vs. 20).

1. Joseph learned to leave the righting of one’s wrongs to God.
2. Joseph learned to trust in God’s providence, even in the face of men’s malice.
3. Joseph learned how to emulate God’s kindness. Joseph knew that God intended all things in his life for good.

Categories: Genesis