…But God Meant it for Good! Joseph.... Great-grandson of Abraham Despised by his brothers Sold to Midianites when he was ~17 to 18 Sold in Egypt by Midianites to Potiphar (Pharaoh's chief bodyguard) Became head of household Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife Sent to prison with king’s baker and butler Forgotten in prison then suddenly promoted by God
Joseph.... 25% of the book of Genesis Rags to riches story Account reveals God’s providence Highly dysfunctional family Father had 4 wives (at the same time) Brothers involved in rape, incest, murder and human trafficking Ch. 50 – reveals Joseph’s viewpoint – previous 40 years Genesis 50:15-21 1. A Baseless Fear Gen 50:15 NASB Their guilt is evident Jacob dead – they feel vulnerable Brothers had 2 fears: Joseph will hate them Joseph will repay them Guilty conscience – heavy burden Psalm 38:4 NASB Spurgeon - "I'd rather bear any affliction than be burdened with a guilty conscience.“ Distorts a sinner’s view. Hinders acceptance of Gospel. Like rust on metal – decay, rot from within – need to deal with guilt – Christ has done that! 2. A Blatant Fabrication (vs. 16-18) Gen 50:16-18 NASB Jacob’s words likely fabricated No record he said them in Scripture Not likely to send by messenger – F2F Would likely have said on deathbed (Gen. 49) Brothers were – paranoid, opportunistic, deceptive Some people change – but not that much! Fear of man The fear of man brings a snare (brothers), But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted (Joseph). Proverbs 29:25 NASB Joseph’s Perspective – but God… Joseph lived from a “but God” perspective – provider rather than avenger Gen 45:1-10 NASB Brother’s Perspective – but we… Joseph’s brothers lived from a “but we” perspective "Joseph told us his dreams, but we resent him" "Joseph brings us a message from dad, but we despise him" "Here comes Joseph in his coat, but we will show him; we will sell him" "Now dad is dead and Joseph is prime minister, but we will outsmart him" This is self-preservation – again they default to deceit and fear 3. A Bother’s Forgiveness (vs. 19-21) Gen 50:19-21 NASB
Joseph wept Saw their torment Saw their fear – extended forgiveness Spoke kindly and comforted them 3. A Bother’s Forgiveness (vs. 19-21) How could he forgive those who caused such pain? Joseph's theology on pain and suffering is clear: Joseph knew God was in charge not him: Vs 19 - am I in God's place? Rulers of nations – no authority except from God God uses bad events to bring about good results Gen 50:20 NASB "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. Rom 8:28 NASB And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Work together – synergy (gr. Sunergeó) – NACL God uses people to help other people All of these events and people in Joseph’s life were to bring fulfilment of God’s promise of a nation & eventually the Messiah Conclusion Suffering is never wasted Help others 2 Cor 1:3-4 NASB Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, (4) who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Another picture here A Saviour – the Lord Jesus Christ Many parallels He extends unconditional forgiveness Spoke kindly and comforted them Jesus Christ was despised, rejected, sold, shamed and put to death – for you 1Cor 2:7-8 NASB but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; (8) the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;