Page 29 - Living Light 90

Monday September 29 - The truth comes out
“I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!” Genesis 45:4
When Joseph managed to control his emotions, three things followed, according to verses 3-7. First, Joseph revealed who he was. Many dramas are built on the idea that some in the story don’t know the main player’s true identity. Here’s a real-life example. Joseph only has to say his name to make himself known. He then immediately expresses concern for his aged father. The estranged relationships of many years were about to be overcome. Or were they?
Second, his brothers reacted with fear. They didn’t immediately greet Joseph warmly or express relief that he was alive. Rather, their guilty consciences kicked in and they feared he might take his revenge. After all, he was a powerful man and Egyptian officials weren’t known for their forgiving attitudes. They thought the past had come back to haunt them.
Third, the purposes of God were disclosed. That put the betrayal and suffering Joseph endured in a new light. Twice he tells them, “God sent me ahead of you”, so that he was in the right place to help Egypt and his undeserving family through the famine. Consequently, wrongdoing could be forgiven, shame overcome, and a new future could open up. How often do we forget to see God’s hand in the struggles and perplexities of life? His purposes are often wiser and deeper than we think.
Renewing God, as I recall shameful incidents in my past, thank you for the struggles that lead me to discover a new start and your amazing forgiveness. Amen.
Tuesday September 30 - God did it
“It was not you who sent me here, but God... God has made me Lord of all Egypt.” Genesis 45:8-9
Throughout Joseph’s up-and-down life he was always conscious that God was in control. He invariably looked below the surface of his experiences and trusted that God had a plan. Whether betrayed, falsely accused, imprisoned, or appointed to a powerful position in Egypt, it was God’s doing. God’s plan was coming to fulfilment. Joseph’s family were not only fed during the long famine but could then resettle in land that was going to prove very fertile. Crucially, he didn’t then forget God and claim the success for himself. He persistently named God as the author of events.
Note that Joseph did not blame God for anything. He honoured and trusted him. He wasn’t saying that God had caused the evil and injustices he’d endured. Rather, God was master over even wrongdoing and could turn it to good, weaving it into his deeper purposes and bringing Joseph more in step with his will. Good or bad, right or wrong, God still steers our lives for his glory. We call this the providence of God. Providence means that he sees the full story, not just the bit we’re experiencing now, and can guide us towards a good end; ‘...in all things God works for the good of those who love him...’ (Romans 8:28). Past sinful behaviour and wrongdoing still need dealing with, not brushing under the carpet. But God is truly the one in control.
Sovereign Lord, thank you for your providential care. Teach me to trust you in and for all things. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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