Hi
I’m at that stage where I cannot read my compact travel Bible as easily as before; but I am avoiding to admit the obvious: my lenses need assistance for me to read the fine print. Since it’s not only my Bible which has that dreadfully fine print; it is somewhat challenging to read without the right glasses. I need to change my lens. And that’s the challenge with today’s Holy Nougat, what say you?
“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
To fully appreciate the weightedness of the first eight words – So it was God Who sent me here – we must remember WHO spoke and what his life experience was. It was Joseph. Remember him? Dreamer-spoilt brat; who was so reviled by those same men he was speaking with, that they plotted his death; threw him in a ‘dry’ (possibly snake or rodent or debris filled); trafficked him; then declared him dead to their mutual father!
And that’s what they knew!
For, he proved himself in that strange place, was promoted to advisor, then imprisoned on apparently false charges, and forgotten for quite some time. Yet, his faith never seemed to waver. And if so, not publicly; not for long.
To then declare to those men – his brothers – that it was God Who sent him underscores the Depths of Joseph’s faith AND the powerful grace implicit in the statement.
He let them off the hook! Yes, he tested them a few times before revealing his identity (who wouldn’t?); but Joseph basically ABSOLVED those wretched souls of any guilt!
[The thing is – God does the same for our wretched souls also! Daily]
Y’see Joseph, he was focused on the Big picture; which read far differently from what the natural could perceive. Where we saw brokenness and betrayal by his own brothers; he saw delayed blessings and strategic positioning! Where we saw trials and tribulations; he saw training. Where we saw plenty; he saw lack and made the provisions. Where we saw lack; his shrewdness clearly demonstrates that he saw (and amassed) plenty. When we (and his brothers) saw death and destruction; Joseph saw fulfillment of prophecy and the abundance of grace! O yes!
I am not quite there as yet. Not by a long shot. But God!
Perhaps it’s time for us to change our lens?
Good morning
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
