Do Not Be Afraid... - Genesis 50:12-21, Luke 23:32-46, Hebrews 12:14-15

Way back in Genesis 50:15-21 the brothers of Joseph are afraid. They had wronged Joseph greatly, and now their father Jacob had died. The brothers feared Joseph would take vengeance upon them. Instead, Joseph would shed tears of love as his brothers begged forgiveness and would utter one of the great lines of scripture: “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” And later, “Do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Fast forward all the way to Golgotha. Luke 23:32-46 is a powerful and poignant passage: the Savior is crucified, yet he asks forgiveness for His torturers. And He speaks individual peace – forgiveness – to one of the thieves crucified with Him: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The gospels are filled with accounts of Jesus speaking peace to people. With accounts of Jesus saying those glorious words: “Do not be afraid.” And “Your sins are forgiven.” We must do the same.