Genesis 50:11
Now when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a grievous mourning for the Egyptians.”…
This is a part of history that the Egyptians of Moses’ time forgot. They enslaved the Israelites. However, they were honoring Jacob and His life. I’m not sure if they were honoring him or paying respects to the kind of man who would raise a leader like Joseph. Whichever the case, it is interesting that they would leave such an impact at his funeral. This passage reminds me of Proverbs 16:7, “When a man’s ways are pleasing to The Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” It isn’t common in our present time to label those in the context of our lives as enemies. However, they aren’t our fans. It could be a difference of personalities or style. I’m a christian, so many of my stances (for or against) are instantly known by many. They may or may not be true, but assumptions are made. Some may think that I judge them because of that. This creates “enemies”. It’s not only christians, but everyone has disagreements. In light of this, the person of God bears the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Even if we disagree, God’s fruit does not make us disagreeable. But it’s more than being nice. An air of respect is present. Typically these fruits would be considered weaker traits. But as God works them out in our lives, it’s done through strength. A person of God has convictions. As they are lived out in the presence of God’s fruit, strength is exhibited; a solid man (or woman). God’s person isn’t preachy. We don’t push our values on every one. By following God’s Spirt, we will speak up on occassion, but not to prudishly produce a commentary at all times. Jesus says that we are to be the “salt of the earth”. Just as salt makes one thirsty, so our lives and words make people thirsty. They are interested in what we have to say.
Lord, help us to live lives that even make our enemies to be at peace with us.