So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt. [Genesis 45.8]
If only we could have such insight - such faith in God! The spiritual depth of Joseph's declaration in Genesis 45.8 is at a level few today can even comprehend, let alone walk in. And yet, we have what Paul the apostle wrote in confirmation that this spiritually deep condition is indeed possible:
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [Romans 8.28]
I want to explore how this insight happens in a person... And, this is in confirmation and continuity of all God has been showing me for some time now.
The only way to "move forward" with what God is doing in our lives is to only "look ahead." There is simply no time for, or profit in "looking back."
Forgiveness is "looking ahead."
Unforgiveness is "looking back."
In terms of physical movement from point A to point B, the only sure footed way to get to point B is to "look ahead" in the direction of point B.
"Looking back" jeopardizes any sure footedness, let alone accurate direction toward the goal (point B). While "looking back" there is no way to see and avoid obstacles that might cause a stumble and fall, or worse, be a dead end. In spiritual terms, "looking back" is unforgiveness.
In contrast, "looking ahead" keeps the goal and the path to it in clear view. Although obstacles may present themselves, "looking ahead" reveals the quickest and best way to navigate those obstacles with the least impedance, avoiding tripping over them or being stopped altogether by them. In spiritual terms, "Looking ahead" is forgiveness.
Although Joseph clearly struggled with obstacles that made him want to "look back," he ultimately forged his way through to the goal - the goal he had come to understand from his dreams - the goal of preserving countless lives. Yes, he had a real struggle against "looking back," a real temptation to inflict pain and suffering, but he regained his composure and refocused on the goal.
The goal Joseph achieved was indeed to preserve life. It is of no small significance that one of the lives he saved, one who was responsible in part for Joseph's hardships, was his brother Judah. Jesus is known as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah!
And, speaking then of Jesus, what did He do? He "looked ahead" to His Cross. And, what did He do on the Cross? He said "Father, forgive them..." He did not "look back" at the people responsible for His crucifixion, but "looked ahead" to His resurrection so that they might be preserved in eternal life because He would sit at God's right hand to intercede for them. But, Jesus' story does not end there...
In His time on earth, Jesus very sternly instructed any and all who would follow Him that they too MUST necessarily take up their own cross and follow Him. As is clearly portrayed in today's passage above, there is a reason - a goal Jesus laid out this mandate: that we might "look ahead" (forgive) so that, "in Christ" we might preserve lives for eternity.
Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20.21-23]
There is neither time for, nor profit in "looking back" (unforgiveness). Joseph had obviously come to the conclusion that his dream was NOT about him, but about preserving lives - even the lives of those who treated him the worst. Joseph recognized that those who treated him the worst actually served to put him in the position where he could save the most lives! Joseph recognized that saving lives was indeed God's will and doing....
Dear reader, if you have not seen Jesus in Joseph's story by now, please read it until you do!
Jesus did not "look back" in unforgiveness, but forged ahead looking to the Cross where He would secure, for all who believe, eternal life. He welcomes all who will believe to join Him on His blessed Cross so that in Him we too might "look ahead" and preserve the lives of many.
Jesus offered sober warning against any other arrangement:
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? [Luke 9.23-25]
Why did Jesus call us to our cross? Because our cross is the only place (as was His) that demonstrates 100% pure forgiveness without "looking back."
And, why is that important?
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. [Matthew 6.14-15]
Unforgiveness is "looking back." "Looking back" will not get others to the goal - eternal life with God. In preventing others from getting to the goal by "looking back," we effectively prevent ourselves from getting to the goal...
Father, forgive me for "looking back." I have "looked back" more than I have "looked ahead" and I am ashamed of it - I have not helped others toward the goal of knowing You. These words mean nothing. But I know my actions of forgiveness mean everything. May my life show that I am only "looking ahead" to You and the goal of preserving lives - Your goal of preserving lives. May I be found in Christ on the Cross not looking back but seeing that every offense against me only further qualifies me to bring salvation to the lives of my offenders and the world. So be it!
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