WEEK 6, DAY 5 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:31, 3:4-6, 6:5-8, 18:22-25, (SOAP – Genesis 50:19-20)

But Joseph answered them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day.  NLT

OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA:

Ah, the grand finale of Genesis. It was in our reading and devotional yesterday, and we are circling back to it today. Too much? I don’t think so. It bears great witness to Joseph’s character and to God’s sovereignty, both wonderful examples and encouragement to the Christian faith.

As we noted yesterday, following the death of their father, the brother’s treacherous act of selling Joseph into slavery comes back to haunt them, prompting them to fear Joseph’s revenge in the absence of their father. Joseph reassures his brothers that there will be no revenge – that is left in the hands of God. While what they did was intended to harm him God not only knew and allowed it but He used what they were doing for His good purpose. The purpose, as He points out, was to preserve the lives of many people, which they can clearly see has been accomplished.

Other Notable Observations:

• God pronounced His creation – “very good!”
• The man and woman fell prey to the serpent’s words and chose the fruit instead of God
• The LORD regretted making humankind because their wickedness was so great
• Noah found favor in the sight of the LORD
• Abraham pleaded with God to not destroy the good with the evil

APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

We must not let our sins of the past make us fearful of the present or future.

We must trust in God and His power to accomplish good purposes even out of evil actions.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, thank You for the beautiful story of Jacob and Joseph and the cast of characters that have been a part of this study. A study that has focused us on choosing You instead of what the world offers and we so often desire. Thank You for Your sovereignty, Your Presence, and Omniscience that gives us hope – even in the things that seem hopeless. We live in a world that is rampant with evil but we are reminded that You are always at work to accomplish Your “good purposes – for Your Kingdom, Your people, and the world.” Fix our eyes on You so that we do not lose sight of Your calling on our lives to trust You in all things. – In His Name and power – Amen!

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

• In what ways have you seen God turn something intended by others to harm you into something good?