Riding the Roller-Coaster
Genesis 43-46
Such a roller-coaster of emotions and changing circumstances for the brothers who had so easily sold Joseph into slavery without a thought for their father’s feelings or for the consequences of their actions.
Joseph tested his brothers. Would they save themselves rather than try to save Benjamin? Would they cause their father additional grief by abandoning another favoured child? This time, the brothers passed the test.
Imagine their surprise to discover that this figure of authority who seemed to know so much about them, was really the brother they can once so callously delivered into the hands of Midianite traders.
Joseph was quick to reassure them right from the beginning that their actions, evil as they had been, were divinely orchestrated. “…do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you…to preserve a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God…” —Genesis 45:5-8.
Jacob’s heart spoke before God’s did. When he heard the news he packed up and headed to Egypt to be reunited with his son. Along the way, God spoke to him to assure him that this move was the right one for other reasons than a wonderful family reunion (Genesis 46:3, 4).
I read this phrase often on the posts of my FACEBOOK friends: God is good all the time. Even in loss and heartbreak, in time of trial and testing, in poverty and in plenty, in health and in sickness, in change and in the normal daily routine, God is at work for our good and for the greater good of others.
Such a roller-coaster of emotions and changing circumstances for the brothers who had so easily sold Joseph into slavery without a thought for their father’s feelings or for the consequences of their actions.
Joseph tested his brothers. Would they save themselves rather than try to save Benjamin? Would they cause their father additional grief by abandoning another favoured child? This time, the brothers passed the test.
Imagine their surprise to discover that this figure of authority who seemed to know so much about them, was really the brother they can once so callously delivered into the hands of Midianite traders.
Joseph was quick to reassure them right from the beginning that their actions, evil as they had been, were divinely orchestrated. “…do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you…to preserve a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God…” —Genesis 45:5-8.
Jacob’s heart spoke before God’s did. When he heard the news he packed up and headed to Egypt to be reunited with his son. Along the way, God spoke to him to assure him that this move was the right one for other reasons than a wonderful family reunion (Genesis 46:3, 4).
I read this phrase often on the posts of my FACEBOOK friends: God is good all the time. Even in loss and heartbreak, in time of trial and testing, in poverty and in plenty, in health and in sickness, in change and in the normal daily routine, God is at work for our good and for the greater good of others.
YES - God is ALWAYS in the middle of it. ALWAYS. Joseph is such an example of that kind of trust in Him. Thank you, Lynda.
ReplyDeleteLynda, although I don't comment on everything I read even if I like it - just wanted you to know I enjoy your biblical teachings, they are very good! This one is such a good reminder of trusting God in difficult times.
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