RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-04-15	You Meant Evil Against Me But God Meant It For Good
		Gen 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Joseph was hated and envied by his brothers, left for dead, and sold into slavery. Yet Joseph was able to forgive his brothers recognizing God's sovereign goodness overall. The words, “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” was spoken by Joseph. Joseph said these words recognizing with that perspective because of how God had worked after the brothers’ hateful act. The story begins when Joseph, then seventeen, brought a bad report about his brothers to his father, Jacob (Ge.37:2). Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons. Jacob made Joseph a multicolored tunic to show his love (Ge.37:3). Joseph had a dream that his entire family would bow down to him (Ge.37:5). Joseph's brothers resented Joseph because of these things (Ge.37:4-5). And they were jealous of him (Ge.37:11). The brothers plotted to throw Joseph into a pit and tell their father that a wild beast had killed and eaten him (Ge.37:18-24). The brother's thought about it and decided to sell Joseph to Midianite and Ishmaelite traders who were going to Egypt (Ge.37:36). God blessed Joseph and he grew in influence. He was put over Potiphar's whole house (Ge.39:8). Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph. He fled the situation, but she lied and accused Joseph of trying to take her by force (Ge.39:17-18). Joseph was thrown into prison. Even in prison God looked after him (Ge.39:21-23). While in prison God gave Joseph the ability to interpret dreams. Pharaoh had a troubling dream, and Joseph interpreted the dream about a coming famine. Pharaoh promoted Joseph (Ge.41:38-41). During the next 7 years Joseph prepared for the famine. When the famine came, they were well prepared (Ge.41:46-49). People from all over came to Egypt to buy grain (Ge.41:56-57). Joseph's brothers came from Canaan to Egypt to buy food. They saw Joseph but did not recognize him. Joseph did recognize them. After an elaborate investigation and planning (Ge.42—44), Joseph revealed to them who he was (Ge.45:1–5). His brothers were terrified Joseph was alive because he had the power to kill them. Joseph explained that God had him sent to Egypt so he could preserve their lives. He did not seek judgment against them (Ge.45:5-7). Even years later the brothers feared possible retaliation against them. Joseph reminded them that what they intended for evil, God used it for good. God used Joseph to save their lives by the food he provided. The historical narrative is important in that it shows that God keeps His promises. God said He would bless Israel. When the famine came Jacob's family may not have survived. So, God used Joseph to preserve their lives. I wonder how many of us find ourselves in a tough situation that maybe God will use in a mighty way. Joseph trusted God even though he was treated very badly by his brothers. Because of his love for God, he had an attitude of love and not hatred. The natural thing to do would be to retaliate. Remember God provided for the brothers even though they acted evilly. It appears God would have us behave in a loving way even to those who treat us in an unloving way. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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