"His (Joseph's) brothers also came to him, bowed down before him and said, 'We are your slaves.' But Joseph said them, 'Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20. You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result - the survival of many people."
Joseph's brothers stood before him, and were afraid of him, because they knew that they had treated him egregiously. Joseph really had them in his grasp to do with as he pleased, but instead of seeking revenge, he acted on what he correctly perceived the act of God on behalf of his people. What can Joseph teach us about not being consumed with a need for revenge when we are treated badly? First, Joseph was aware of God's presence in his life, and knew that God would protect him. It is amazing what we can do in our lives if we are aware that God is present in our lives. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you alway unto the end of the ages." Jesus really meant that, and we can depend on His presence in our lives in every challenge that we face in life. If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, you can be certain that He is with in everything in your life. Second, Joseph did not lose the sense of God's presence in his life. Having been sold by his elder brothers into slavery, he could have been a bitter person. But this is not what takes place in Joseph's life. He accepts the negative situation, senses God's will in it, obviously forgives his brothers and moves on with his life. Whatever you are facing in your life presently, you are not facing it alone if you have Jesus as your Savior, and the Holy Spirit as your guide. Do not let the negative things of your life make you bitter and resentful. Just know that God is with you in the good and the bad, and that He is seeking to use you for good in whatever circumstances you are facing. Third, Joseph did good when he could have done evil. He could have said to his brothers, "Alright you miserable excuses as brothers, I have you where I want you." Actually, Joseph held their lives in his hands, for he was second only to the Pharaoh in Egypt. But Joseph chose to do God's will, and to act like the godly man that he was. When Joseph could have destroyed his brothers, he gave them a better life. We need to ask ourselves if we would have done as Joseph did in his circumstance? We will if we see ourselves as living in the will of God, and carrying out His purpose. The saga of Joseph can lead us to ask some questions about ourselves, and about the effect that God's presence has on our lives? That is quite a challenge.....which the Bible intends for it to be. Bro. Joe
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
All
Archives
September 2021
|