March 21 -- "God Meant it for Good"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 50

"God Meant it for Good"

In this verse, Joseph is speaking to his brothers after he has revealed his true identity to them and they have been reconciled. Joseph acknowledges that his brothers had intended to harm him when they sold him into slavery, but he also recognizes that God used this situation for good.

The phrase "meant evil against me" refers to the actions of Joseph's brothers, who had been jealous of him and sought to harm him. However, Joseph's perspective is that God was ultimately in control of the situation, and that God used Joseph's suffering and eventual rise to power in Egypt to save many people from famine.

The phrase "to bring it about that many people should be kept alive" emphasizes the ultimate purpose of God's plan, which was to save the lives of many people. This phrase is a reminder that God can work through difficult and even painful circumstances to accomplish his purposes.

Joseph is a powerful example of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of difficult and painful circumstances. It is a reminder that God can bring good out of even the most challenging situations, and that we can trust him to work all things for our good and His glory. The themes of the verse are echoed throughout the Bible and especially in the teachings of Jesus. This reminds all of us to keep things in God’s perspective. Even though the situations in our lives may seem to be “against us,” God, in His sovereignty has an ultimate plan to turn it for our good.

In addition, the story of Joseph is often seen as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus. Just as Joseph suffered and was eventually exalted to a position of power, so too did Jesus suffer and ultimately arise to the right hand of God. In this sense, the story of Joseph can be seen as a reflection of the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive plan for humanity, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.