Day 16 or January the 16th. 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 honoured 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 whole.