RPG Adults
NOT YOU BUT GOD
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 37:11-20
“Bless the LORD, O my soul…”
NOT YOU BUT GOD
Convinced that his brothers had truly repented of their past sins, Joseph revealed himself. He cleared the place of Egyptians, then speaking in Hebrew he said, “I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?” (Gen 45:3). With tears streaming down his face, Joseph released the intense and concealed emotions of the years. But his brothers were too stunned for words, for their guilt still weighed heavily on their conscience. How could they face the brother whom they had so unmercifully treated?
With words of comfort and assurance, Joseph allayed their fears. “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:5). Three times Joseph explained: It was not they but God who did it! It was God’s providence. God’s amazing grace and amazing ways! Out of evil, the Lord had worked good. Out of the brothers’ envy and hatred, the Lord had brought salvation to Israel. Even Jacob’s favouritism was used by the Lord to fulfil His purpose. In Joseph we see God’s chosen instrument for the conversion of his brothers and for the preservation of his family, the progenitors or founders of the race. To do this, God had made him “a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt” (Gen 45:8). Fact is indeed stranger than fiction!
While his brothers were still too lost for words, Joseph announced his plan to save the family from the famine. Jacob and all the clan should leave Canaan and settle in Goshen, Egypt. Being close to the capital, Joseph could conveniently care for them (Gen 45:11). Then followed a time of emotional reunion with tears of joy freely flowing, dissolving the bitterness of the past. Joseph embraced and kissed each brother in turn, endearing himself to them. What was past was past. Those things were best forgotten, put out of mind. Let there be a fresh start, a new chapter in their relationships. After the brotherly reconciliation, they had a time of sweet fellowship, to make up for the lost years!
THOUGHT: (Read Romans 11:33.)
PRAYER: l praise Thee, Father, for Thy great wisdom and knowledge. May I not trust in the wisdom of the world.