2024_05_06 Insight Post- Kim Feld
This week’s reading- Genesis 37-45, Genesis 50
I must admit that even after being a Christ-follower for most of my life, when I’m in tough seasons, my first thought is to wonder what I’ve done wrong. I’m not sure where that comes from – I didn’t grow up in a faith tradition that endorsed that view, yet it is still with me. Don’t get me wrong – sometimes, I suffer the consequences of my poor choices and sinful behavior. Still, other times, life is just really hard for no apparent reason. Joseph’s story is such a beautiful reminder to me that there are times when the enemy wants harm to come out of my circumstances, but God has a much different outcome in mind.
Joseph is the favorite son of his father, Jacob. As scripture describes the situation, the family dysfunction is pretty obvious. Joseph is one of twelve sons born to Jacob. Jacob’s affection for Joseph is evident to everyone, including his other sons. In all honesty, the story does not endearingly describe Joseph in the beginning. He doesn’t seem to read the room well when he shares his dreams with his brothers. After his brothers have had enough of Joseph’s dreams and fancy coat, they decide to kill him. Some wisdom prevails, and they are persuaded to throw him into a cistern instead but then decide to sell him into slavery. Joseph’s story continues with one bad thing after another happening to him, but he never loses faith in God. It would have been easy for him to become bitter and jaded. Instead, he allowed God to use him in situation after situation.
Joseph saves his family, Egypt, and the surrounding communities from famine by using the information God shared with him in his dreams. In chapter 50, we get a picture of how Joseph viewed all that had happened to him. Take a look:
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 (Genesis 50:20-21, NLT).
At this point, Jacob has died, and his brothers think that surely, now is the time for Joseph to seek revenge for what they did to him. It makes sense that they would think that. Instead, Joseph realizes God had a bigger plan than his brothers’ feelings for him. In the verses above, it is important to note that Joseph didn’t excuse or diminish what his brothers had done to him. He acknowledged that they intended to harm him by their actions. But God’s plan was bigger.
I want that kind of “long obedience in the same direction” that Joseph exhibited. Maybe part of God’s plan included tempering and humbling Joseph some. Still, Joseph maintained an awareness of God and His active involvement in Joseph’s life. This story reminds me of the need to continually look for God’s involvement in my life, even when things are chaotic or stressful. One day, I’ll know the whole story, but today, my job is to be faithful and trust that God can work all things for good (Romans 8:28).
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach