Do you know the story of Joseph in Genesis? It is the epic family saga of siblings and a favorite, of jealousy, of deception and near-despair. Of life sometimes not going at all like you thought it would.
Most significantly, it is of God’s presence and purpose in the midst of human struggles and sufferings.
They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him. And they took him and threw him into a pit … “Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” … Then Midianite traders passed by. And [the brothers] drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt. Genesis 37.18, 24, 27-28
(About 40 years later) … But Joseph said to [his brothers], “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today. So do not fear.” 50.19-21 (emphasis added by me)
I am so humbled in reading Joseph’s ultimate example of speaking a word of God-honoring exhortation. Instead of unkindness, even “righteous” anger. Instead of rehashing old offenses.
Rather Joseph extends a brotherly hand of forgiveness, of care and protection, because of God’s faithful mercy. Not because Joseph is magnanimous but because his choice is to live like a follower of the God of love and mercy and provision at every turn. The God who orchestrates every life to testify of His plans, accomplished and to be accomplished, that are always for our good and His glory.
This is the hope, out of the rubble of our lives, that the Apostle Paul, in Romans 9, is desiring so much for his fellow Jews to trust and believe. God sent His Son so that we do not have to stay in the pit of despair.
From Joseph’s life I’m seeing that the hard things in life which bring sufferings, even the things of my own doing, are not without purpose. God uses our suffering, even in course-correction, to bring us to Him. To accept His mercy and grace and see His hand changing our lives and our families because we are trusting Him through the tough stuff. No one, except Jesus, did life perfectly. Why should we expect it of ourselves? Or of others?
God’s Word is reminding us that no matter our missteps and flat-out fails, His plan and purpose are for moving people closer to Him! And for giving each of us a testimony, a witness, to share with someone who doesn’t yet acknowledge that Jesus’ blood was shed on the cross to cover our sin with His righteousness. So that, ultimately, life goes not at all like you thought it ever could!
I pray you might consider that this week … life ultimately not at all like you every thought possible … eternity secured in glory with Jesus! Alleluia and Amen!
With anticipation of God’s good work in and through each of us, so that God is glorified and lives are changed forever … with Jesus’ love, Colleen