Joseph’s brothers feared the payback they deserved. Their father Jacob, dead and buried, no longer provided a buffer between the siblings. They threw themselves before their little brother—now one of the most powerful men in the world—to beg forgiveness.
Joseph gave a most magnanimous reply, filled with grace and forgiveness and wisdom. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good for accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Sometimes evil is just evil and it’s hard to see any good. I’m reading a book right now about the Soviet suppression of the Hungarian revolution in 1956. The Soviets intended to harm the revolutionaries, and so they did. The country suffered under Soviet repression for another quarter century. Hard to see good beneath such hatred.
Thankfully at other times, like with Joseph, good quivers behind the scenery. It takes awhile to recognize it, and it may not be as clear-cut as in this story, but remember this promise? And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
I can hold to those words, and ask the Lord to show me the good waiting to emerge from the many challenging situations I see before me.
Genesis 50 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022
Photo by JOHN TOWNER
Wow Dave – this is truly a beautiful story and the Lord has shown you these beautiful connections.
I love the way share what you see and learn.
I thank you.
This feels like The Body. Thank you for taking part in such an important and understanding way – and for sharing what you know.