Our Sunday readings are designed to give us the story of salvation from both the Old Testament and the New, reminding us that the New Testament Gospel is the fulfillment of the Old, the completion of God’s message to us, and it’s always relevant to today’s world.

Take the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis. Joseph was part of a large, dysfunctional family. His father Jacob had two wives, two female slaves, and thirteen children! Joseph was the victim of jealousy, hatred, and abuse from his own brothers. He had every reason to be an angry man, looking for revenge. But at the end of Joseph’s long ordeal, his faith in God is greater than any need to repay evil for evil, and he applies a type of New Testament love that could only come from a love that Jesus would teach. Jesus said: Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you… Don’t judge, lest you be judged. … Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

The New Testament compliments the Old. The only solution to all the discord of this world is Jesus. True peace, joy, and love are found only in Him. He is available to all who are willing to confess their faults, accept Him as their Lord and Savior, and trust Him to lead the way. I don’t know about you, but I’ve read the Book. I know how the story ends. And I’m trusting that no power on earth can take away what awaits us in heaven.