The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1942-09-24

SOu.-E plltSldIlS I OE
Forgiveness, opening the way for
the restoration of fellowship and the
showing of kindness, brought the sto-
ny of Joseph and his brethren to
happy ending Under the good hand
of God the story which began with
tragedy is brought to a conclusion
o. blessing.
Following the earnest plea of Ju
dab, the heart of Joseph could no
longer withhold itself from the full
expression of affection and devotion
to his family.
/. Love OvercOmes Fear wv. Ia.
Joseph tenderly shielded the fam
lily troubles from the eyes and ears
of strangers by sending out the
Egyptians. 1t was the first step of
consideration which paved the way
for reconciliation. How often just
the opposite is done-airing family
affairs before the world, and humili-
ating those who may be in the
wrong, thus making it difficult for
them to admit their guilt.
Then, too, this was moment too
tender and delicate to be seen by
outsiders. The tears of strong man
like Joseph mean a deep movement
of spirit-a solemn and often a sa-
cred moment.
1t should also be noted that the
brothers we're afraid, and well they
might be, because of their sin
against Joseph. After almost so
years these unrepentant men found
themselves face to face with the
one whom they had supposed they
had disposed of, and they knew their
sin had found them out. 1t always
does, sooner or later, but inevitably.
How great and noble was the for
giving love of Joseph; an example
to us, especially appropriate and
needed in a world of hate and bit
terneSS.
ii. Grace OverruleS Sin (vv So
The guilt of these men was none
the less ard Joseph could not re-
move it, but he encouraged them by
showing how God had used their
evil devices to work out His own
good pleasure. He can make the
wrath of man to praise Him Cps.
76:10).
1t is worth stressing again that in
the very hour when the prospects
for Joseph's future usefulness
seemed ruined, God was opening the
door to the greatest experiences of
his life and was preparing him to
serve the thousands whose lives
were saved by his wisdom and abil-
ity in the years of famine.
Nothing is more important in the
life of a child of God than to be
yielded to His will, unmoved by cir
cumstances, abiding His time, re-
spending to His guidance whether it
be by the opening or closing of
doors, prosperity or adversely And
herein is the marvel of it aIl-even
sin may be overruIed by Gods grace
for His own glory, That does not
invite anyone to sin that grace may
abound (Rom. 6:l, p, but it does
offer encouragement to the one
who has fallen, that God can re-
deem the years that the locust have
eaten Joel 2:25),
Our lesson also sets us an exam
pie of how true forgiveness acts,
something we need. So often when
forgiveness is asked or granted
there is an 81 can forgive but l
can't forget" attitude, which means
that while hostilities have ceased,
at least temporarily, there is no real
friendship or the disposition to show
kindness. Is there any real forgive
ness at all in such an attitude of
heart and mind? We fear not.
III. Kindness Provides the Best
wv. Oils; 47:11, 12).
1t might have been enough to send
food and a kind greeting with the
brothers to their own land, but love
does not seek the minimum express
sion of its feeling. 1t asks not how
little, but how much can l give or
do.
Bringing his aged father and
brothers into the land of plenty was
not enough, Joseph also gave to
them the best of the land" (47:1D.
His thoughtful consideration in send
ing for his father Gen 46:5-0 was
part of the same piece of kindness.
Joseph puts to shame the modern
"hard-boiled" attitude toward needy
and aged members of the family.
In their eager and relentless pur-
suit of fame or riches, many ignore
or trample upon the members Of
their own families Often they are
ashamed of the broken bodies, the
humble apparel, the broken or I'M
educated speech of their parents.
They fear lest their new-found
friends in the circle of wealth and
supposed position" will think them
strange or ridiculous God pity the
man or woman who is ashamed Of a
humble or aged father and mother!
Joseph, who really had an exalted
position gained by merit and by the
blessing of God, never forgot his
place before God as son in the
family and as brother. Let US
consider him and do likewise.