Mercy!

I have been studying the life of Joseph in preparation for preaching a new series. There are many things we can learn from his story. I am so thankful that God has chosen to show us the truth about Bible characters. We see the good along with the bad. They are real to us because we can relate with their inconsistent actions. Yet because of God's mercy we see they were blessed and protected by the hand of the Almighty. I surmise that if God can do it for these guys He can do it for me too.

We know from Joseph's story that he was highly favored of God, given special dreams and revelations, and was elevated to one of the highest positions of authority in one of the world's most powerful nations. And yet, he came out of a dysfunctional family, was boastful about the gifts of God, and may have even antagonized his brothers with boastful claims. Generally speaking a good man? Yes. Perfect? Far from it.

I can't help but recall the verse in Psalm 103:10 - "He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities."

If God chose to deal with us directly "after our sins" we would all be destined for a Christless eternity in hell. Thats what we deserve for our sins. Romans 6:23 - "The wages of sin is death."

God chose to deal with our sins through Jesus' atoning death on the cross at Calvary. Isaiah 53:6 - "The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Therefore the remaining part of Romans 6:23 says, "But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Wow, what a blessed thought. God deals with us in mercy!

Joseph's story is one that portrays great mercy. His brothers sold him into slavery and would have killed him had God not intervened. They intended great evil against him but God in his mercy saved Joseph and eventually used Joseph to save the lives of his brothers and their families.

I am so thankful that God deals with me in mercy and not according to my sins.