I hope you'll go back a read the chapters we skipped. Chapters that tell the story of Joseph reconciling with his brothers. Of Jacob discovering that his son is indeed alive, but not before he thought his second favorite son, Benjamin, was lost to Him. The dreams that started the whole jealous feud come true. Joseph has power unimaginable and after testing his brothers forgives them - AND recognizes God's grace in his slavery and delivery as necessary to keep his family alive.
So this is the story of the rescue - Joseph's starving family is rescued with the blessing of the Pharaoh - they move to Egypt. But too close to downtown - shepherds smell - Goshen is close enough.
The reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers contain one of the most powerful lines in all of God's story. Later, when Jacob dies, his brothers are still afraid that Joseph will exact his revenge. They beg for teir lives and then . . . Joseph . . . weeps. We don't know what brings the tears but I would guess that he weeps that his brother's still distrust him and from that must have come a deep sense of loneliness. All Joseph wanted was to be reconciled with his brothers and to live in love and peace. And while he could live with them, he couldn't make them love him. Joseph wept and then offered these words . . .
“Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” - Genesis 50
Another translation reads - "You meant it for evil but God meant it for good."
Do you believe God can work pain and suffering for good? your pain and suffering? your failures?
Are you at bottom right now? Do you trust that God will work it for good?
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28
Hold on. Hold out. Hope is on the way. God is on the way. Good will come.
2 comments:
Yes, Good does come to those who wait. God is always there, Ask and you shall recieve. Have faith and beleive.
have faith in God because God is good all the time and he is always there to us and protect us ..
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