God's Work

"But Joseph said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.' So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them." Genesis 50.19-21

Israel (Jacob) has died. His sons have taken him beyond the Jordan and buried him in the tomb purchased by his grandfather Abraham. But as the brothers return to Egypt a thought enters their minds, "What if dad is the reason Joseph didn't kill us?" They begin to fear for their lives. And so to save their own skin they make up a lie, and say that their father had made a plea to Joseph to spare their lives.

Based on the dialogue of Genesis 45 I really don't think Joseph had revenge on his mind. He was able to look past everything that had happened and see how God had worked it all out for good. God had brought him to Egypt to save lives, not end them. And though he is in a position of great power, he knows that it is God's place to pace judgment and carry out vengeance. And he has come to see that everything God does works out for good.

I don't want to dive heavily into Romans 8 yet, it'll be a while before we get there if Genesis is any indication of how the rest of Bible is going to go, but as I've read these verses I can't get it out of my mind. "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified" (Romans 8.28-30)

Men, God causes all things to work together for good for those who are seeking His purpose. All things work together to mold us into the image of Christ. This is the work God is up to in all of us, He wants us to become like Christ. Everything that happens in our lives, good or bad, joyful or sad, pleasant or painful, all things are working to mold us more into the image of Christ.

The things that people do to us to try and get us out of the way, or to get ahead of us, can all be used by God to make us more like Jesus. The things that people intend as evil God can work for good, and as a result lives can be saved. Are you willing to trust God and let Him work, even through the hard times? Are you willing to set aside revenge and instead turn to God and become more like Christ?

God is at work, are you willing to be worked on?

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor