He will turn evil into good

He will turn evil into good

Introduction

Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

            In the passage above we see the confession of Joseph where he confesses that the Lord had changed the evil into good. When we take the life of Joseph we can understand he has been through the worst of worst situations in his life. Right from his young age, Joseph had to face many difficulties. He grew up wondering as to why all these negativities follows him. Despite the fact that his life has been taken for a toss, the Lord did not forsake him. The Lord changed all the evil things in the life of Joseph and turned everything into good. Interestingly, if Joseph had not understood the purpose of the Lord he might not have attained the divine elevation. Joseph submitted his life in the hands of the Lord and he invested his faith on him which paved the way for his blessing. Even in our lives, we should understand the doings of the Lord at our trouble times.

Fear – Genesis 50:19 ‘And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?’ Over here we see Joseph’s brothers were scared that he might take revenge on him. They did not believe in the words of Joseph. They were afraid that Joseph might take revenge on him. Let us see the unwanted inhibitions that his brothers had while meeting Joseph.

Thoughts

Genesis 50:15 ‘And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.’

            Though Joseph was very happy reuniting with his own family after many years, his brothers had other thoughts. His brothers thought that Joseph might be vindictive. They held a wrong thought concerning his own brother. Despite the fact that Joseph assures them that he forgave, his brothers did not seem to believe him. The unwanted thoughts clouded their minds and hindered them to fully believe Joseph. Even in our lives, we might be overthinking and exaggerating over very simple things. This will only lead us into confusion. Today the Lord God will purify our thoughts and help us to understand his purpose.

Conscience

Genesis 50:17 ‘So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.’

            We see Joseph forgives and accepts his brothers with a generous heart but they were hesitant. They were guilty as they had done evil things to his brother. Though Joseph reconciles with his brothers, it did not work out. Their conscience pricks them and does not allow them to be normal. The absence of good conscience will bring bitterness to their hearts. This bitterness will in turn open the door for all physical and spiritual distress. We the children of God must have a clear conscience and should reconcile with all our heart.

Trust

Genesis 50:17 ‘So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.’

            When Joseph felt that his very own brothers did not believe him, he wept. As we read in Genesis 45:5 ‘Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.’ Joseph clearly clarifies that he does not any personal vengeance against his brothers. Even after assuring, his brothers did not trust him. They underestimated Joseph and this is why they were all so afraid. We must put our trust on our Lord God and if we fail to do so fear will surround us.

Position

Genesis 50:18 ‘And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.’

            Over here we see they gave themselves as slaves for what they did to Joseph. But Joseph on the other hand forgave and accepted them already. His brothers did not realize where they are Joseph had placed them. Despite of all the comfort Joseph gave them, they considered themselves as his slaves. Even in our lives, we should thank the Lord almighty for all the blessings he has showered upon us. As recorded in Ephesians 2:6 ‘And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:’ The Lord almighty will bless us and elevate our lives. In II Timothy 1:7 ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.’ May the Lord God give us his love and power and bless us abundantly. Therefore, let us all submit ourselves to our Lord God and let us purify our thoughts and conscience. May we build our trusts on him and be blessed abundantly. Amen.