God Meant It for Good

ONLINE REFLECTION, ST. PAUL’S, FOLEY – PROPER 15, YEAR A

AUGUST 16, 2020

TEXT:               Genesis 45:1-15

Collect for the Day – Proper 15

Today’s Old Testament lesson is the end of our weeks’ long journey with the Patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  It is reaching its conclusion today, with a dramatic scene.

Jacobs sons – the fathers of the Twelve Tribes of Israel – have sold their brother, Joseph, into slavery.  Now, karma is paying its visit.

Joseph has prospered after many years in Egypt.  He has been given great authority by Pharaoh.  He has been long-forgotten by his brothers – out of sight, out of mind.

But the brothers and their country have been devastated by drought and famine.  They come to Egypt – and Pharaoh’s house – seeking food to sustain them and their elderly father, Jacob.

The brothers do not recognize Joseph in his imperial regalia.  They beg for food, and place themselves at the mercy of the Prince of Egypt.

Joseph cannot contain himself and discloses his identity to his brothers – “I am your brother Joseph.” There is a tearful reunion.  They embrace one another.

The essence – the main point – comes five chapters later, as Genesis is being concluded.  Jacob has died and the brothers fear that Joseph will exact his revenge after his father’s death.  They plead with him – citing some untrue statement his father had purportedly made.

Joseph releases them from their fear. “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”  It is one of the most powerful verses in the entire Old Testament. 

Joseph was able to see the gracious hand of God move through all the trauma of the past decades.  It took a wise, generous, and discerning heart to see divine movement in all that he had been through.

Can you do that?  Can you look back and discern the hand of God guiding and redeeming your life, even in the most bitter and painful of circumstances?

That is what God does.  And that is how he calls us to see things.