Genesis 50:19-20 - Sin, pain, and sovereignty
Scripture:
Genesis 50:19-20
19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I
in God's place?
20 "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."
NASU
Thoughts:
It is amazing how holy God works even through the sinful
choices of men to accomplish His will (verse 20). Could
God have preserved the people in another way? Of
course. For instance, it is not hard to imagine Pharaoh
seeking far and wide for a wise man who could interpret
his dream -- the event that brought Joseph into
prominence. In that search, it is also not hard to
imagine Joseph being consulted in distant Israel as a
man known for his wisdom and thus the whole process
beginning. But because of the sinful choices of
Joseph's brothers that sent him to Egypt (which God
foreknew would occur), He used those to complete His
will.
This can be hard to accept, but I have found it in my
life, too. Places where the mistreatment of others
toward me, redirected my course away from them and into
the next step in God's will for me. These can be hard
transitions to pass through, but afterward there is only
rejoicing. I know I would not want to go back in any
such cases in my life, rather than be where God has me
now.
I've found that this is the only interpretation of such
events in our lives that will give us peace. Any other
leads to more questions and intellectual agony. This
position is the position of faith, even when the why's
don't make sense to us.
Prayer:
Lord, give me a mature view of my life, even when hard
times comes. The sin of others may confuse me, it may
change my direction, but it never leaves me abandoned by
You. You are always working for my good as a believer,
even when I can't see it. Glory to Your name.
Amen