Seeing God as Sovereign
January 23rd, 2007
Ashley
* This entry is for January 23 of the new DOG schedule.
Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5
The college ministry at First Baptist (CCF) has been going through the story of Joseph and his family in Genesis in our co-ed Bible studies. It’s been a rich time of searching the word as a group and has been especially applicable for a group of students who all come from various family backgrounds. There is something about Joseph’s story that resonates with people who desire to be loved and accepted by those around them, which I think is all of us. Yet the greatest part of this saga is God’s grace towards Joseph and the brothers. Throughout the entire story the Lord proves Himself to be sovereign, righteous and full of grace.
When I read this dialogue in 45 between Joseph and his brothers, I’m struck by the emotion that can be inferred. Joseph was sold by these very same brothers into slavery, because they would gain more by selling him than by killing him. A lifetime later he is ruler of Egypt and stands before them with the resources to inflict brutal punishment. Yet all he can do is love them. He has experienced God’s grace and provision first hand and now understands that his life is complete when he allows the Lord to use him. As Joseph faces his brothers he’s able to show them the grace of a God that loves them.
Lord, help me to see my life as a vessel to be used by you to bring truth to others. Teach me to trust you with every circumstance that I’m in, and give me the wisdom to see when you are refining me to be used for your Good works.
January 23rd, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Hey Ashley
Great insights!! I journaled on this exact verse today, too. In the New Living Translation the verse reads… “But don’t be angry with yourselves that you did this to me, for God did it. He sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.”
What a profound ability for Joseph to see the purpose and the plan of God in the midst of a challenging situation. Joseph was deep enough to recognize that, ultimately, it was God who orchestrated the whole scenario with a long range plan in mind. I needed to be reminded of that today because often I wonder or forget what God is doing and that He has a greater picture and perspective than I could ever have. It makes me rethink how I handle my own situations and circumstances and reminds me that He has it all figured out in the long run.