“Wicked BroSis, ‘Don’t Be Afraid…!'”

“Wicked BroSis, ‘Don’t Be Afraid…!”(Gen. 50:15-21).
Joseph the son of Israel is often hailed as a “from grass to grace” model. Correctly so, but Joseph is much more than that.
Joseph is first, a prototype of the savior. A man hated and despised by his brothers; sold into slavery, accused falsely and jailed; but from jail he rose to prominence and became the man to save the world from a devastating famine of his time.
More than the above, Joseph is the epitome of a forgiving heart. From my own life experience as a pastor, the things I’ve passed through and the hatred that I’ve seen perpetrated on myself and some colleagues, I know for certain what it means to let go.
The path that God has charted for each one of us is full of thorns and thistles. These thorns and thistles are not the natural ones that grow in the bush. They are made made; borne out of hatred, malice and jealousy!
But as it is, man is not God. Men can only play God, but it doesn’t last.
The life of Joseph, like the life of Christ are glaring examples for us not to blame our haters. “All things work for the good of those who have been called by God according to his purpose.”
A lot of doors are opened to us in the places where our enemies thought was our Patmos. By the way, Patmos may have been a place of banishment, but for John it became the place of great Revelation, making possible the last book of today’s Holy Bible.
Therefore my friend, when people sit in councils and plan evil against you, bear no grudge against them. Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. They do not know that they are God’s agents ignorantly executing God’s plan for you and humanity.
I have worn the kind of shoes which Joseph wore in the hands of his siblings and in Portifer’s house; and through prison.
But like Joseph when the guilty are afraid and come to you with concocted lies, hold no grudge against them because of what they did to you. Forgive them. Tell them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is being done, the saving of many lives. So then do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.”
My friend, it is a small world; and God is faithful. It will come to pass as he has planned.
Prayer: We exalt you LORD for your ways are not are ways. Help us to know that all things work for the good of those who have been called according to your purpose. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.