Present Difficulties or Results? Genesis 47-50
The finale to Genesis is actually one of my all-time favorite stories. The New Testament is known for its scripture references that we consistently quote because of their pragmatic and obviously constant soteriological relevance such as John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave his One and only Son, that who so ever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Yes, there are multiple such references in the Old Testament (OT) as well, but one of the reasons I delight in reading the OT is because of the narrative genre that it presents. It's full of mystery, crime, love, hate, envy, lust, joy, humor, triumph, determination, war, famine, families, etc... Think of the best movie you have seen, and it has most of what you are looking for somewhere in it. (if you have not taken the time to read through the OT because you think that it is boring and outdated, you really have the wrong idea. Also, the best way to read through it is really whole books at a time. It seems like it would take a long time but it doesn't, and you will be captivated - my promise to you, money back guarantee :)).
So, in Genesis 50, we see the culmination of Joseph's time apart from his brothers and his father. They now know who he is - the second in command to Pharaoh, in the land of Egypt. At the end of 48, Israel, or previously known as Jacob, takes his final breath, and in 49, the brothers and Joseph take him back to his homeland in Canaan to be buried with Rebekah and Leah. Now the brothers are worried. Although this whole time Joseph has given them land, a place to live, and continual food during an extreme famine they are now worried that with their father gone if he has any hatred left in him for what they did, he will take out his vengeance now. So, what do they do? They make up a message from their father stating that he needs to forgive them (vv. 16-18).
Joseph's Response:
"Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result - the survival of many people. Therefore don't be afraid. I will take care of you and your little ones. And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them" (vv. 19-21).
Joseph, by the world's standards, had every reason, to hold a grudge, to be angry and vengeful. He chose to change his perspective - or perhaps better said - take on the correct and righteous perspective. If we look all the way back to the beginning of Joseph's story, there is not one time when Joseph had control over what was going to happen to him - other than his response to what occurred to him. He could have slept with Potiphar's wife, he could have been angry and bitter in prison and therefore not been given the responsibilities that he was. Joseph could have chosen not to interpret the dreams but keep them to himself... but, he didn't. In all that occurred, he decided to focus on what God was doing rather than his present circumstances - trust God's plan rather than worry about his present pain, troubles, and hardships.
Our Response:
We have similar opportunities and the same options. At every turn - each hardship, pain, persecution, and trouble we can either have our perspective focus solely on them OR, we can choose to focus on what God may be doing in and through the present circumstances. It is absolutely correct that there are times we are not privilege to what He may be doing, and at those times we have to continue on, trusting in WHO He is, remembering that there really is nothing that man can do to you eternally FOR He will never leave you or forsake you (Heb.13:5,6). What man plans for evil, God does plan and will use for good - and His plans can NEVER be thwarted! (Job 42:2).
Tell me, would you rather worry, be anxious, and fearful like Joseph's brothers? Or, have the peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7) because you have chosen to trust the Lord each day, each morning, and every moment with every detail of your life - knowing that He loves you, cares for you and PLANS everything for the good of those who love Him. (Rom. 8:28)?
