But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis50:19-21
We know the story of Joseph: Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, framed by Potiphar's wife, and forgotten in prison. Then, by Divine Intervention, second-in-command in Egypt and responsible for anticipating and providing for an upcoming famine thus saving many lives.
Now, years later, after his family has been brought to Egypt and his father has died, his brothers are fearful of reprisal from Joseph who is still the second most powerful person in Egypt.
But Joseph displays a force more powerful than vengeance - he displays the power of a life transformed for the better in spite of the potentially harmful experiences he'd been through.
We fear trouble, loss and heartache. We tend to believe that hardship marks "the end of the world" and that "nothing good can come of this." But God can bring new beginnings out of trouble, suffering and tragedy.
Joseph saw the new beginning and, having recognised it, lived a new life. It didn't take away the betrayal, slavery or imprisonment, but he had bigger and better things to focus on and lived graciously as a result. In our own country's history we have seen a similar example in the life of Nelson Mandela.
But Joseph's words point forward to an even greater example of trouble transformed, new beginnings offered and grace extended.
Jesus Christ, God's Son, our Saviour endured terrible pain and suffering to accomplish "the saving of many lives."
If you were to ask Him about trouble, I think He would say:
"It's Friday(crucifixion) ... but Sunday (resurrection) is coming!"
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God can give us new beginnings out of the troubles and heartaches of our lives, allowing us to be gracious and to forgive. Will you let Him work in you?
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
