Assurance (Genesis 50:15-21)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
19 February 2023
Life throws up changes. In the midst of changes, especially testing ones, we need assurance of love and care.
Joseph's brothers experienced changes. Their father Jacob had died and now there was doubt whether their brother Joseph would look favourably on them. They needed assurance.
Observe how they sought assurance.
First, they approached Joseph. Crucially, they did not appeal to their merits but to an arrangement already made, that is, the arrangement between Jacob and Joseph, that he, Joseph, would deal well with his brothers even though they had done him wrong.
We should seek assurance not in personal merits but in God receiving us through the covenant made between God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. Assurance is grounded on something external. It is grounded on what God has done through Jesus.
Joseph responded. He did not talk about the wrongs inflicted on him by his brothers. There is no vengeance in his heart. He honours his father's agreement and assures his brothers of his continuing love. Jesus showed no vengeance when he was nailed to a cross. Though reviled he did not revile in return.
We all make mistakes in life but praise God he does not look on our blunders but on the blood—the blood of Jesus through which our sins are remembered no more. The assurance Joseph gave his brothers is the assurance Jesus gives to us. It arises from covenantal promises.
The obtaining of assurance is full of emotion. Joseph wept before his brothers. Our Lord is moved when he sees us totally dependent on him. He is moved to answer our needs.
Joseph assures his brothers of his care for them and their children. Salvation is of the Jews and the survival of Joseph's family was crucial. From this family came the nation of Israel. From Israel came Jesus. From Jesus comes salvation and eternal life.
Thank God he assures his people of his continuing love. Peter failed Jesus but Jesus restored him and assured him of his love. Similarly, Thomas and Saul of Tarsus failed Jesus but upon turning to God they received assurance of God's continuing care.
Praise God for the New Covenant. It has been established. It is efficacious. It is enduring. It is God's way of showing unending love for his people.
Thank God for Jacob's arrangement with Joseph. That arrangement is like a covenant. Through such covenant we are saved and can be assured of God’s eternal love and protection. Be assured of this.