It’s so amazing what forgiveness can do.
“But Jacob insisted, “No, if I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God!” (Gen. 33:10 NLT)
That through all that happened between Jacob and Esau, Esau found the grace to offer such forgiveness to Jacob as to not even accept his gift, and Jacob so humble to see his face as the face of God.
“So Joseph sent his brothers off, and as they left, he called after them, “Don’t quarrel about all this along the way!” (45:24)
Then, there is Joseph. Not only did he forgive and provide for his brothers, but as he sent them away, he reminded them not to fight among themselves over what had transpired—to forgo condemnation.
“the Angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may he bless these boys. May they preserve my name and the names of Abraham and Isaac. And may their descendants multiply greatly throughout the earth.” (48:16)
Again, the beautiful story of Jacob’s wrestling with the angle of the Lord finds Him so humble before he parts the blessing that follows.
“So Jacob blessed the boys that day with this blessing: “The people of Israel will use your names when they give a blessing. They will say, ‘May God make you as prosperous as Ephraim and Manasseh.’” In this way, Jacob put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.” (48:20)
Thus, reversing the work of the enemy.
“to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” (50:17; 20)
Finally, they are broken and undone—full of fear—and this is where forgiveness makes them whole. This is where we see the fullness of God. This is where we see what favor and grace really mean. And so goes the Cross to bring all to completion . . .
“Therefore I tell you, her sins, many [as they are], are forgiven her-because she has loved much. But he who is forgiven little loves little.” Lk. 7:47 (AMP)
Just beautiful.
“Our scarlet sin covered by His scarlet blood.
He loves us.
To color us with His blood so that our sins are no longer visable…scarlet over scarlet…until we are white as snow.
He loves us so.”—Christie McGraw of Critty Joy
