When Bad Things Happen to God's People

Pastor Tony begins by making reference to Rabbi Kushner's book “When Bad Things Happen to Good People. If God is great and good, why do bad things happen to good people? Joseph has been thinking about why he has had such difficulties. After Jacob dies the brothers are concerned about how Joseph will now treat them. The brothers feel their own guilt. (Do we read God will change His Mind? There is no reason to fear God. Forgiveness is a promise to not bring up, or remember, previous difficulties.
• Embrace mercy – Not revenge
• Joseph gives mercy, not justice
• God meant it for Joseph's good and the good of his family. Ultimately the good of the Hebrew people.

If you are God's child… then there are no bad things that happen.” Joseph's actions, returning good for evil, is evidence of grace and mercy. The life of Joseph is an image, all-be-it and imperfect image, of Christ.