But God Meant It For Good

An important closure comes at the end of the story of Joseph in the first book of the Old Testament.

After being hated by his brothers for their father’s favoritism, as well as the dreams Joseph was having and sharing, he narrowly escaped being murdered, only to be sold into slavery in Egypt. Thereafter, he was falsely accused of attempted rape after refusing the aggressive advances of his master’s wife, then spent an undetermined amount of time in prison before being raised to the second-highest office in the land, overseeing preparation for seven years of famine during seven years of plenty.

Here, then, were his brothers, at Joseph’s mercy, disposable if he had so willed. And though he toyed with them for a time, to test their character and consider his options, in the end he is reconciled. Rather than avenging himself on his betrayers – those who should have protected him, but instead sought to destroy him – Joseph tells them a remarkable thing.

“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.”

In our generation, we who fear, love, and trust God must also be expectant, even when we are hard-pressed, or perhaps especially then, as to how the Lord will work all these things to the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

That includes revivals in Kentucky, bleak economic conditions, disingenuous attempts to curb free speech, and the prospect of World War III.

If the promises of God are true, and they are, then He will work all these things to a good purpose in ways which are both surprising and delightful. Thus our aim should be faithfulness, endurance, hopefulness, and love – for God, and one another.

What does that last bit look like in the particulars? Our circumstances will make that clear as they unfold, as we search the Scriptures to know the will of God, and what good works our Maker has prepared for us to walk in since before the creation of the world. So led, by His Word and Spirit, we don’t have to wonder whether, but rather when and how, He will fulfill the very great promises He has made, since He always keeps His promises.

This Episode’s Links: