January 18, 2012 (Genesis 44-46; Luke 18)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “So it was God who sent me here, not you! And He is the One who made me an adviser to Pharaoh–the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.” Genesis 45:8 NLT
Observation: Finally Joseph was seeing the sovereignty of God come into focus in all he had been through. The meaning of his dreams as a young man made more sense to him now than ever before. Joseph told his brothers, “don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place” for it was God, who sent me here, and He sent me here for a purpose. The purpose was to save the lives of sinners and offer grace to those who did not deserve it.
Application: The sovereignty of God is far above our understanding at times. Our eyes are often blind to seeing the reasoning or purpose of certain events or trials we face in this life. God’s sovereignty teaches us to trust Him in all circumstances. Even though satan may intend to bring us harm, God turns what was meant to be harm into good on our behalf. He used Joseph to preserve the lives of his own enemies. Those who at one time sold him into slavery, now depended on Joseph for survival. The grace and humility that Joseph extended to his brothers is a great example of Christ like love and compassion.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy, indeed we do not deserve it nor have we earned it, yet You offer it to us just the same. Thank You. Your sovereignty is amazing! You are the only true God and there is no other with power and glory like Yours. I praise and worship You for turning what satan meant as harm to me, into good. Fill me with Your Spirit, enable me to love and have compassion for my enemies like Joseph did. Speak to the hearts of those who are against me and show them the error of their ways. Draw them to Your Son Jesus, save them and set them free, in Jesus name, Amen!