Our Suffering; God’s Viewpoint
Today’s reading: Genesis 44:1-45:28
My selection: Genesis 45:5
And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
My reflections: Joseph “messed with” his brothers’ minds throughout his interactions with them. But his purpose seems to have been to test their repentance for what they had done to him. Certainly the agony they were experiencing, as they considered how the loss of Benjamin would impact their father, helped Joseph make these statements here. Joseph, after revealing his identity to them, comforted his brothers in their torment and showed the grace of forgiveness to them.
Although Genesis 50:20, which occurs years later, is more frequently quoted in regard to God’s sovereignty in using evil for good purposes, the thought is well-developed here by Joseph.
My challenge: Have you processed the suffering you have received unjustly? Joseph worked through what had been done to him. Pray for wisdom to see the good in the bad you have experienced. You will know you have done that when you can thank God wholeheartedly for what you have suffered.
Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 46:1-48:22