Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Steve Sveom retired ELCA pastor.
The story of Joseph is a story of courage and integrity. However, the Biblical story is not primarily about the people but about the story of God’s presence and grace. Verse 21 uses the following words about God’s grace to Joseph who was in prison: “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love.”
As a retired pastor, perhaps the most memorable and best compliment I ever received was when I was about to move from one Church to another call. A young woman in high school said to me “you taught me grace.” Indeed, that is the purpose of the Biblical story – to reveal God’s grace. It is also the purpose of the community of faith – that with each other we experience and learn the grace of God and share it with the world.
The Biblical story teaches us God’s grace – “the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love.” In the gathering of faith this is the message to us. The Biblical story reveals that God has been present and has shown steadfast love throughout the ages. As a community of faith, we continue to tell our own stories of God’s grace. God continues to be with us now and continues to show us steadfast love. This is grace, even in the face of the obstacles we face. We are embraced by hope in the presence of God who shows us steadfast love.