Restoring Community

God Instructs the People of God

Listening for God in Changing Times:

Choosing a Community

Genesis 50:15-21

The Message

^14-15 After burying his father, Joseph went back to Egypt. All his brothers who had come with him to bury his father returned with him. After the funeral, Joseph's brothers talked among themselves: "What if Joseph is carrying a grudge and decides to pay us back for all the wrong we did him?"
 ^16-17 So they sent Joseph a message, "Before his death, your father gave this command: Tell Joseph, 'Forgive your brothers' sin—all that wrongdoing. They did treat you very badly.' Will you do it? Will you forgive the sins of the servants of your father's God?"
   When Joseph received their message, he wept.
 ¹⁸ Then the brothers went in person to him, threw themselves on the ground before him and said, "We'll be your slaves."
 ^19-21 Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I'll take care of you and your children." He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.

For Reflection
OK; here's the rub with all this accept differences stuff.  The differences in worship styles among Christian demonations (and for that matter individuals) is that each sees differences in worship style arising out of differences in substantial theology (seen most dramatically in the reformation).  Each group is rooted in their "rightness" and, therefore, is offended by the other.

God, our father, like Joesph's father, commanded us to forgive each other.  Can we, like Joseph, forgive each other for the offenses derived from our differences in worship?  Can we see beyond the differences into the Holy Spirit working His mysteries through all Christians?

Pray
that you will recognize the Holy Spirit working in all Christian communities.  Pray that the diversity of Christian believers extends the call to God's Kingdom so all may practice Godly ways.  Pray for the Church universal to be consistent with God's call to love and service.