Acceptance Genesis 45: 4, 5

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How wonderful Christ is! (pictured here in the old testament)

1) Love overcoming hurt.

(And Joseph said unto his brethren,) 

Parallel the cross; rejection;    

our rejection-our hurt caused Christ to die.

Note the capacity of His love.

Joseph’s brethren didn’t understand.

The best have great difficulty; how could God so love?

The basis of our acceptance- Christ’s desire for our fellowship; Christ’ s willingness for fellowship.

2) Acceptance overcoming fear, (Come near to me.) 

Christ drawing us near. See the nail prints in His hand!

3) Loyalty overcoming rights, (I am Joseph, your brother) 

Christ was loyal to those in need; not seeking heaven’s shelter.

vs.4 4) Good overcoming evil , (whom ye sold(the price of sin)  into Egypt (bondage)) 

the goodness of God

vs.5 5) Mercy overcoming offense 

(Now therefore be not grieved,) 

The sufficiency of Christ.

6) Forgiveness overcoming sin ( … that ye sold me here;) 

Transgressions covered.

7) God's purpose overcoming man's way 

(for God did send me before you to preserve life.)