Grace Replaces...! (Read Genesis 43:15b-34) And the men [Josephs brothers] were afraid because they were brought to Josephs house, and they said, its because of the money, that was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants. (Genesis 43:18) Josephs brothers had had their consciences awakened enough by this point to know what they deserved because of what they had done to Joseph in the past. Even though they had no idea that the man standing before them was Joseph, they themselves had concluded that God was punishing them for what they had done to Joseph (41:21-22). When they were invited to Josephs house, they thought it was because they were going to be assaulted and made into his servants (43:18). Have you ever been in one of those situations where you knew the wrong you had done, and knew what punishment you not only deserved, but were going to get? I think many of us can recall incidents like that from our youth. What about your inner realizations about yourself today? You alone know how terrible your heart is, right? You know the secret, unknown thoughts that pop up from time to time about certain people you have such a difficult time with. You know the despising, the mistrust, the hatred, that awakens in your heart toward certain people. You alone know the lustful thoughts that occupy your heart from day to day. You know what you just have to have. You know who you desire to use in order to satisfy your lustful cravings. You alone know the jealousy that races within you. What about your actions? Are they always so pure? Think about the things you have done to others, especially to those you really dont like. How have you lied? Cheated? How many times have you wrongly accused others?Taken advantage of others? How have you used your status to control situations to benefit you? Lets just be honest and admit that our hearts are dark and often capable of some really terrible things. What do you deserve from the God who is altogether holy and righteous? You know what you deserve. We all deserve the same thing: punishment. And yet God extends grace to us to rescue us from our sinful state. He graciously sent His Son to come to bear all our sin and shame in His body on the cross. Why? Grace, motivated by His deep love for us. Josephs brothers were frightened about what would happen to them, and deservedly so. But Joseph gave them water to wash their feet, and food for their donkeys. Then he sat them down to enjoy an incredible meal with him. Thats grace! Did they deserve it? No, but that is what grace does. Look at the effects of this undeserved grace. Josephs brothers were amazed at how they were being treated (43:33), and they ate and were merry (43:34). Fear was gone. Guilt was no longer an issue. All that weighed them down and reminded them of themselves was swallowed up in grace. The hymn writer, John Newton, knew how despicably he had treated his fellow man. When Gods grace touched his heart and brought him to salvation in Jesus, one result was him penning the hymn Amazing Grace. The former slave trader could now declare, Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. He knew who he was. He knew what he had done. He knew what he deserved. But grace replaced it all and saved his soul from punishment. What has Gods grace replaced for you? How amazing is Gods grace to you?
Posted on: Fri, 16 May 2014 14:09:43 +0000
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