Day 16 or January 16.
God really does know the beginning from the end.
Our thought today is taken from Genesis chapter 45 verse 5.
And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here,
because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
Now the big picture surrounding this verse.
In the tense atmosphere of Joseph's residence, he dismisses all his staff and declares his
identity to his brothers.
The emotional relief is tangible, and a situation that seemed hopeless is now filled with security
for the whole of Jacob's family.
They return home with the good news to bring Jacob to be reunited with his son he thought
he had lost.
His first stop is to give thanks to God at Beersheba.
Then at God's beckoning, the whole family continues to Egypt, which will be their new
home and where they will have security and enough to eat.
Here we have the essence of the twelve tribes of Israel, who will multiply into a great
nation in Egypt.
They become shepherds for Pharaoh, and are given a great area of land called Goshen.
Joseph takes his father to meet Pharaoh, and he blesses the ruler.
Pharaoh is amazed that anyone could live to 130 years old, and is honored with a second
blessing.
Not long afterwards Jacob, that is Israel, dies, but not before getting a promise from
Joseph that he will not be buried in Egypt, but will be laid to rest in the land God has
given to his people, and where they will thrive as the children of Israel.
And now our action step for today.
Joseph even saw a positive aspect in him being sold into slavery.
He had total trust that God would always bring something good, even out of what seems to
be a disaster.
Years later the Apostle Paul would reflect on these words in Romans 8.28, and we know
that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called
according to his purpose.
Looking at a doughnut, they would both have seen the dough, but some people only see the
hole.