Day 13 – Grace – Restoration of Broke Relationships 

Genesis 47:29-30 &50:19-21

PAUSE – 

Take a deep breath, offer this time and your focus to the Lord with the Psalmist.

      Search me God, and know my heart;

      Test me and know my anxious thoughts.

      See if there is any offensive way in me, 

     And lead me in the way everlasting.      Psalm 139:23-24

REJOICE in God’s goodness with Psalm 34:4-6

      I sought the Lord, and he answered me, He delivered me from all my fears.

     Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame

     This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;

     He saved him out of all his troubles. 

There are numerous examples of God’s grace in the Old Testament, as well as stories of grace extended from one person to another after great manipulation and betrayal.  One of the most profound is the story of the restoration of Jacob and Esau after multiple acts of deception and years of separation in Genesis 33.

But arguably the greatest story of betrayal and grace is found in Genesis 37-50 in the story of Joseph. Joseph, betrayed by his brothers, Potipher’s wife, and the cupbearer of the King, continues to “find favor” in each situation.  The grace of God covers him through each trial and setback, but in the end it is his family that needs his grace.

Read and Reflect

Jacob, nearing the end of his life, summons Joseph and makes this request.

“If now I have found favor (grace/hen) in your sight…promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.” 

“I will do as you say,” he (Joseph) said. Genesis 47:29-30

After Jacob’s death his brothers came pleading for mercy, still carrying fear and brokenness from the betrayal they had committed decades before, and Joseph offered these words of grace: “Don’t be afraid… you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…So then, don’t be afraid.  I will provide for you and your children.”  And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Genesis 50:19-21

Sometimes the most difficult places to extend grace are in families where past hurt and brokenness have created long-term division and mistrust. It seems that our world today is as divisive as any time in history. Harsh words, acts of betrayal, and even abuse have created huge chasms of separation in families, churches, and culture.  Amazingly, God doesn’t hide this difficult history in His family.  Instead, he reveals powerful stories of restoration, where Grace is released and relationships are renewed, so that we might have instruction and encouragement for our own difficult situations.  As you reflect on the brokenness in the lives of God’s people in Scripture, how does this help us/you as you seek healing and restoration in your own circles?

Reread and Reflect on Joseph’s words to his brothers in those verses again.  

“If now I have found favor (grace/hen) in your sight…promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.” 

“I will do as you say,” he (Joseph) said. Genesis 47:29-30

“Don’t be afraid… you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…So then, don’t be afraid.  I will provide for you and your children.”  And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21

Imagine the fear of the brothers who had to approach Joseph who had the authority of Pharaoh to impose judgement on his brothers for their betrayal. Read his words aloud. Who might need to hear words of mercy in your circle/s today. What would it take to restore broken relationships?

Ask –

Father, I have broken relationships that weigh heavily on my heart.  I have friends and loved ones and church members who are separated by resentment.  I pray for your miracles of grace to be unleashed, for wounds to be healed, and for the Spirit to bring forgiveness and restoration.  Amen.  

Yield –

Father, one of my biggest challenges of obedience is to surrender in broken relationships. Please help me to be willing to open my hands and release any bitterness.  Help me to be willing to invite you to touch my painful places and speak of healing, I ask this in your name.   

Amen.