Forgive from the Heart

Dear Mosaic Family,

This Sunday, we close out our series, "Graduate Level Grace" by meditating on Genesis 50, where Joseph reveals that he is a man who truly grasps God's grace. What's the final graduate level test of grace? Can you forgive those who cause you tremendous suffering? Can you truly forgive them from the heart? 

Jacob, the father of the twelve sons has passed, and Joseph's brothers, understandably get worried. Was Joseph just being kind to us for Jacob's sake? Now that Jacob's fatherly restraining influence upon Joseph is gone, now what will he do? Was he just harboring resentment and biding his time? They feared that underneath his outward benevolent words and deeds, malevolent intentions for vengeance were lurking. 

Once Joseph hears that his forgiveness was under question, the text says, Joseph wept. With tears in his eyes he addresses his brothers: “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Here is a man who truly understood the grace of God: how can we receive grace from God, whom we sinned against, and not be prepared to offer the same grace to those who sin against us? 

One of the most profound moments in the life of Christ was when he hung on the cross, and uttered the following words from his bloody and parched lips, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." As soon as the blood of the Great Lamb of God began to flow, the Great High Priest begins to intercede for His executioners. He loved His enemies and prayed for them. Did they ask for forgiveness? No, for they knew not what they were doing. Even though they didn't know what they were doing, they were still guilty, so Christ intercedes for them.

Let us learn from Joseph, and the Greater Joseph, Jesus Christ, to forgive from the heart, even the worst of transgressions against us, for they pale in comparison to our transgressions against our loving and Holy God.

Looking forward to worshiping with you!

Pastor Jan

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This Week's Announcements

Baptism Seminar

Sunday, August 27 at 1:00 PM

Baptism symbolizes a Believer’s union with Jesus Christ, who laid down His life and took it up again for us, so that we too might walk in the newness of life. It is a picture of death and resurrection. And deciding to be baptized is a big milestone for any Christian, and it is an important part of your walk with God. Register here for our upcoming Baptism Seminar to learn more.

Mosaic Members' Meeting

Sunday, September 10 at 1:00 PM

If you are a covenant member of Mosaic or have been notified that you are being voted into membership, join us for our quarterly meeting. Please bring a dish to share. 

If you are not yet a covenant member, but would like to pursue membership with us at Mosaic, you can sign up for our next membership 101 class here.

Songs for Sunday 

If you would like to know what we'll be singing on Sunday, you can find the playlist here.