Scripture:
Genesis 50:15-21 ESV
[15] When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” [16] So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: [17] ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. [18] His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” [19] But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? [20] 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. [21] So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus, he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Observation:
For those of you who are familiar with the story of Joseph, you know how this whole thing started, but for those who are not. I will give a brief flyover. Joseph was his dad’s favorite son, which made his brothers jealous of him. They threw him in a pot with intentions to kill him but ended up selling him into slavery, and through a long drawn out chine of events… that involves a variety of living situations, including palace life with the Pharaoh to the Penitentiary, and now the second in command in Egypt. A story of perseverance and endurance that would change anyone’s out look on life. Now, through a radical change of events, his brothers have been brought back into his life. The dream he had told them about as a kid had come true… the one that drove the decision to throw him in a pit and sell him off. They were to kneel before him, and at this point, they had a lot of fear in doing so their dad had just died, so in their mind, Joseph had every right to put them to death, and honestly he did have every right. But the way Joseph thought in the past had changed, and now he saw how GOD uses horrible situations for HIS victory. Through all the terrible experiences, the leveling of pride, and the test of perseverance, he had been elevated to a point where humility was his driving force. Meekness made his decisions and grace led his words. The relationships that had been damaged were being repaired, and his stance on life was completely different from the day he told them his dream. GOD had turned it all around where what was meant for evil was used to preserve HIS people. As Joseph overcame his trials, GOD gained victory, and what started out looking like defeat from the enemy turned out to be what GOD used to redeem HIS people. A family separated due to jealousy and deception was reunited through endurance and perseverance.
Application:
You really have no idea the victory that GOD is working out for you. Or how many years ago, HIS plane was honestly started. I can tell you this… it started way before you thought it did. You see, GOD put you together in your mother’s womb, and before HE placed you there, HE knew the plan HE had for you. Although there may have been a lot of pain, there has been no harm, and what seemed to be your greatest defeats in life were your greatest victories, and you didn’t even know it. You see, GOD’S ways are not our way, and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts. HE is able to take the worst of things and bring HIS greatest glory out of them. What I’m telling you is this. Everything that the enemy intended to use to beat you down and discourage you has built you up leveled your pride and put you in a position where HE can use you. HE does not need us to be full of pride. What HE wants is someone willing to yield to the Holy Spirit and forgive no matter how much it hurts. You see, your life is not about you. Although we all want it to be at times. It’s not GOD has a plan for every painful moment every trial and test every minute of despair and desperate cry for help. Humble yourselves before the mighty hand of GOD and HE will exalt you. Keep in mind that all things work for good for those who love GOD and are called according to HIS purpose. It’s not over HE is fighting for you, and in the end, everything that the enemy meant to destroy you will only build you up to be who HE has planned you to be from before you were placed in the womb. Every battle that has ever been fought in your life has changed you in some way to be more like Jesus, and it all started with surrender.
Prayer:
Father, wow, as we look at the scripture this morning, we are in amazement of who you are. Only you can use what the enemy intended to destroy us and turn it into a tool to build and shape us. Not only are you so much more than we could ever explain or understand, but you are so much smarter than our adversary as well. So, who are we to question your plans. You have brought us through unharmed. Although it may not have felt that way at the time, it’s true. Help us to see how our experiences can benefit others and how what seemed like defeat at the time became our greatest victories. Thank you for saving us from ourselves and delivering us from the hand of the enemy. We worship you. Father, let that show in the way we live. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.