Friday of Lent 2

Friday of Lent 2, March 2, 2018                   Genesis 37:18-28

Joseph is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. Yet God spares Joseph’s life in order to fulfill His plan and the dreams He has revealed. When sin is not dealt with, it breeds even more wickedness. Joseph’s brothers let their hatred lead to betrayal and lies. Many years later, God’s Son was betrayed by His friend, not for twenty shekels but for thirty pieces of slaver. Yet this also took place so that God could fulfill His plan for our salvation. 1  

Only in hindsight could Joseph see God working through every circumstance of his life. He could finally say to his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Genesis 50:20  You might not always be able to see the big picture. Do you find forgiveness a hard thing to do? Consider Joseph. Yes, God sees everything! He knows of the misery. The pain. The nasty words. Everything! Never give up in forgiving others. If He could do it for Joseph. He can certainly do it for you!

Hymn: O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken     (Lutheran Service Book 439:4)
What punishment so strange is suffered yoder!
The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander;
The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him,
Who would not know Him.

Heavenly Father, enable us to help those in need. Turn us away from self-pity and worry and compassion and sympathy. Send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith in times of trial. In the Savior’s name we pray. Amen 

Grant, O Lord, that as Your Son Jesus Christ prayed for His enemies on the cross, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive Your forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. 2 

1.  Lutheran Study Bible © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

2.  Collect for Friday of Lent 2,  ,  http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm