By Pastor Chuck Ryan

God’s Higher Purpose

Text: Genesis 50:15-21; Isaiah 61

Thesis: It is easy to be transfixed on all the challenges and fail to see God’s Higher purpose! May we through the eye of Faith see God’s unlimited power at work in our lives.

1. The death of Jacob, the father of Joseph, triggered an enormous fear in Joseph’s brothers. (vs15-17a)
2. The brothers believed now that their father was dead that Joseph would seek revenge on them for all the harm, they caused him.

3. The brothers possibly fabricated a story claiming their father reached out to Joseph pleading their defense.

4. “When their message came to him, Joseph wept.” (17b)

5. Joseph had the heart of Christ when it came to understanding the sin of his brothers and at the same time his love was so great, he was compelled to forgive.
6. Joseph was instrumental in bringing physical salvation to the known world, including his family.
7. Jesus was instrumental in bringing spiritual salvation to the world.

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts2:21)

1. Joseph was not revengeful.
2. Joseph said, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? (vs 19a)
3. The Apostle Paul teaches, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.”

(Romans 12:19)

III. Joseph explains the higher purpose of God to his brothers. (20-21)

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

1. God can bring beauty out of Ashes.

“To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes.” (Read Isaiah 61:1-3)

Application:

1st Many like Joseph, in this past year, have experienced great hardship and anxiety.

Jesus explains, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

2nd As Joseph explained, God has a higher purpose planned for his children and the world.

1. What Satan intends for evil, God can use for the good.
2. Jesus’ death on the cross provided eternal life “for everyone who calls on His name.”
3. Nero’s persecution of Christians caused them to flee Jerusalem and go to the utter parts of the earth and spread the Gospel.
4. God can use difficulties to drive Christians out of their comfort zone so they will seek him and His will.

3rd God calls us through the eye of Faith to believe He can bring “beauty out of Ashes.

“And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God and to those called according to God’s will.” (Romans 8:28)

Examples: 1) An increase in the opportunity to pray-for healing, for the Church, for the salvation of others, for our nation etc. 2) Ministry opportunities-cards, letters, phone calls. 3) Ministry expansion.

Isaiah 55:11

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”