How to take hold of the transforming power of grace (Genesis 50)

The late American preacher, Tim Keller, told the story of a teenage Christian girl who knew she was saved by grace, forgiven and that one day she would be with Jesus after her death, yet she felt depressed. Keller, as a young pastor, reminded her of all the wonderful truths of her Christian faith to which she replied, ‘Yes, I know, I believe all that, but what good is it when no boy ever even looks at me?’. We can all relate to the tension between knowing God’s truth and it reaching into our heart to make a real difference in our attitudes, feelings, and outlook. For some, the neglect of a parent or the critical remark of a friend can feel more real and wounding than the love of our Maker and Redeemer, for others truly forgiving others or trusting God’s plans or overcoming guilt and so on can be a challenge. How are we to take hold of God’s truth in such a way that it transforms us?

Jacob’s burial

As we wrap up the story of the patriarchs, we can reflect on how God’s grace transformed Jacob over time. The man who desperately grasped for blessing has become so full of knowing God’s blessing that he could pass it on to his children (Gen 49:28). He who had once lost the right to live in the land and went into exile (in Paddan-Aram/Haran) because of his grasping, could nevertheless let go of the land temporarily when God guided him to Egypt (Gen 46:3-4). He was assured that he could not lose what God had promised and his request to be buried in the land is a testimony to his faith in God’s future plans. The mummification of Jacob’s body (generally reserved for wealthy and important people including pharaohs), the long and intensive mourning for him, as well as the impressive Egyptian escort (Gen 50:2-3, 7-11) all underline the patriarch’s importance. Thus, his journey ‘home’ is paradigmatic and foreshadows Israel’s return to the land in the exodus.

Joseph and his brothers

By contrast, Joseph’s brothers could not lose their guilt for what they had done to Joseph. Their fear that Joseph’s goodwill towards them was only due to his regard for their father is a sad testimony that sometimes truth cannot penetrate our hearts. Their made-up message to Joseph to protect themselves is pitiful, yet it is the first time that they actually acknowledge their sin directly to him and that is surely an important step towards true reconciliation and the lifting of their guilt (Gen 50:16-17).

Joseph weeps in response, though we are not told why. Does he grieve for his brothers who live with fear and a terrible burden after all these years? Is he saddened that they could not grasp the life-giving forgiveness that he offered? Do some tears fall also as he remembers his own pain over the years and yet God’s amazing grace? His words confirm that he has no thought of retribution (which is God’s domain) and testify to a perspective that recognises God’s hand in whatever happens in his life (Gen 50:19-20). He does not whitewash the wrong done to him but holds no grudge (v.20). His attitude of comforting his distressed brothers speaks of a generous, open-hearted outlook that only true forgiveness can bring. Like Jacob, his request that his bones might be buried in the Promised Land is a testimony to his faith in the future God prepared.

How to take hold of God’s transformative grace

To return to our initial question of how such transformation happens, the Bible, frustratingly, does not give us techniques and is not a self-help manual. Instead, it tells us stories of God’s amazing grace and power and of people’s transformation. This gives us a clue to the process in that stories invite us to engage not only our mind but our heart and imagination. As we identify with the characters, we recognise ourselves in their actions and thoughts and experience their pain and joy as our own. The more we immerse ourselves, the more our own inner world shifts, so that transformation happens almost imperceptibly. There is no mantra to repeat, no special technique, but we cannot stand aloof, judging characters from above and feeling superior to the Bible’s stumbling heroes. Rather, God calls us to give our heart.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with others.