We frequently think of Joseph (he of the dreamcoat) forgiving his brothers. But he also unquestionably used the power of the state first to terrorize them and then to benefit them. The situation in Ferguson, Missouri, reminds us that state power may be misused, and it is our job to recognize that the power we have must not be used solely to help our blood siblings, but all of God's children.

Errata: Pastor Nathan erroneously refers to Rebekah as the wife of Jacob in this sermon, instead of Rachel. Rebekah is, of course, Jacob's mother.