But now do not be distressed,
and do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here.
It was really for the sake of saving lives
that God sent me here ahead of you.”
When circumstances chew us up and spit us out are we still able to see God's hand at work? We know he makes all things work for the good of those who love him (cf. Rom. 8:28). But if we find ourselves sold into slavery in Egypt are was as ready as Joseph to say "God sent me here".
When the LORD called down a famine on the land
and ruined the crop that sustained them,
He sent a man before them,
Joseph, sold as a slave.
God does not want to see anyone sold as a slave. He delights to see brothers dwelling together in unity (cf. Psa. 133:1). Even so, he is able to make this together for Joseph's good and the good of his family.
He made him lord of his house
and ruler of all his possessions.
He brings about a new and deeper unity for Joseph and his family. They know each other more deeply and are closer than ever before:
Joseph could no longer control himself
in the presence of all his attendants,
so he cried out, “Have everyone withdraw from me!”
Thus no one else was about when he made himself known to his brothers.
But when circumstances imprison us and we cannot escape we forget to look for God's hand at work. We don't look for his deeper purpose and risk missing it. But God does not bring us to difficult circumstances empty-handed. He brings us into difficult circumstances with gifts to give in order to spread the Kingdom.
Cure the sick, raise the dead,
cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
Our resources come from him. Gold, silver, or copper for our belts does not matter much, nor does a sack, a second tunic, sandals, or a walking stick. This makes us reluctant at first. We want the comfort that these things entail. But eventually it gives us courage that we don't need any of these usual accouterments in order to fulfill God's plan for us.
He is using us to spread his peace in a land that is experiencing a famine of peace. Let us spread it widely as the generous sower spreads his seeds.
As you enter a house, wish it peace.
If the house is worthy,
let your peace come upon it;
if not, let your peace return to you.
The LORD transforms the hardships of Joseph into amazing blessings. Let us remember these marvels so that as we encounter our own hardships we can trust the LORD in them as well. He makes all things work together for the good of those who love him.
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