The mirror clearly shows it, my boyish looks have given way to lines, crowfeet, and a grey and receding hairline. Daily aches and pains have become constant companions. A red, white, and blue card has arrived in my mailbox providing government issued insurance bringing a measure of social security to my life.
The comfort, warmth and fun of grandchildren, the memories of family, friends and experiences, the wisdom gained from a life well lived reinforces the truth-- I am getting old.
I embrace this quarter pole of my life remembering the words of Ruth 4:15 that “God shall be a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age.”
In Genesis 50 we see forgiveness as God’s restorer of relationships and a nourisher of peace of mind. After Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers were worried. They were afraid that Joseph would still be mad at them for what they had done years before. They beg for forgiveness saying this was their father’s wish.
The brother’s appeal sadden Joseph not because he did not want to forgive them but because he already thought he did.
In speaking to his brothers this what Joseph said: “Don’t be afraid. I am not God! I have no right to punish you. It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God’s plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened. So don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.”
Joseph continued to live in Egypt with his brothers until he died at 110 years old. For all of us as we age the message is clear God does not want us to assume forgiveness. The death and recreation of Jesus is God’s clear and definite message of forgiveness to us. Is there someone in your life who could benefit from your forgiveness? Let’s grow old gracefully with God’s forgiveness.
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