“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20)
The book of Genesis records a lot of sins: Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, Abraham tried to create an heir through his slave girl, Jacob stole a blessing from his blind and dying father … the list goes on.
None of these sins is excusable. Still, you could argue that while some of these people did the wrong things, it was with good intentions or worthy goals. You cannot say that about the sin of Jacob’s sons, however. They sold Joseph into slavery and, as Joseph said, they intended evil.
God took their evil and brought good out of it. Indeed, God took all the sins recorded in Genesis and brought about good. Human evil cannot prevent God from achieving His gracious plans. He will bless these sinners in spite of their sins.
This God who can bring good out of evil decided to use sin to overcome sin. He sent Jesus into the world and the world crucified Him. The world intended evil, but God took the Cross and brought good out of it. Indeed, if the Cross is the greatest example of human evil, it is also the greatest blessing! Jesus suffered for sins that He didn’t commit, so that all sinners can be kept alive.
This story of Joseph and the story of Jesus show God’s bringing good out of evil. This gives us hope. God will do the same for us. If we are afflicted or persecuted, then the God who raised Jesus from the dead can use it for our good. Indeed, God might use temporal afflictions to secure an eternal bliss. No matter how bad things get, these afflictions can never compare to the glory that is ahead. In the Name ✞ of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer
Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
