The Power XII

“Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.”  [Gen. 45 .5]

What did Joseph mean?  Several things, probably – but most important – God had purpose in what appeared to be evil.  From Joseph’s perspective, it would appear that he knew the true underlying reality of his brothers selling him into slavery – an apparently evil act – was, indeed, not God’s afterthought, but His well-conceived, purposeful act. 

Our basics are correct.  There is only one God and He is the only power in the universe. However, there are times we must look an apparently evil situation in the eye and, say with faith, “I don’t understand, but, I will accept this from You.”

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.”  [Matt. 10.29]  Even a bird does not fall from the air that He does not purpose.  Therefore what situation is random or not intentional?   Nothing, probably.

How did Joseph get the correct perspective that, regardless of the intent of his brothers or the appearance of evil, that it was God that purposed the events of his life?

More on that in Part XIII