The readings for the seventh Sunday after Epiphany are Gen. 45:3-15; 1 Cor. 15:21-26, 30-42; and Luke 6:27-38..

When Joseph was made second in command by Pharaoh in Egypt, he had his opportunities to take revenge on his brothers for selling him away. He didn’t do it. Instead, Joseph trusted God who worked the course of events to save many lives. He looked to the promise revealed clearly in Jesus Christ who innocently died in the stead and on behalf of the whole world gone sinful. Then risen from the dead, He saves all the lives of those who trust in Him for salvation. For in Adam, we died at the fall; in Christ, we live. Hence, we love our enemies, praying for those who persecute us, trusting our gracious Lord to work the events of our lives for His glory and our good.