A Word from Genesis 45

If you know anything about the Old Testament patriarch Joseph, you’re probably aware that he had pretty difficult life: sold into slavery by his brothers…thrown into prison because of an unjust accusation…and left in prison, even though he imparted wisdom to a man who promised to help him in return. And yet, through it all, Joseph trusted  God and allowed himself to be shaped by God. And as a result, he became the top advisor in Pharaoh’s administration, and he was used by God to save many people—including his own family—from a time of great famine.

Now, because of all the hardship he endured, it would’ve been only natural for Joseph to become bitter and to dream of the day when he could get even with those who put him through so much suffering. But that’s why today’s word from Genesis 45 is so remarkable. Because when Joseph stood before his brothers and could’ve done to them what they did to him, he instead said this: “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, 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.” (45:4-5)

You see, Joseph was able to look at even the suffering he endured and to see God’s hand at work in it. And as hard as it is at times, we can do the same. We can trust that “in all things,” even the hard and painful ones, “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)

One of my favorite movie quotes comes from a film called The Exotic Marigold Hotel, where one of the characters says this: “Everything will be all right in the end. And if it's not yet all right, its not yet the end.”

May we trust today that, even in our struggles, the God who loves and walks with us will be at work for our good and the good of others. Amen.