Genesis 50:20 - God Brings Good Out Of Evil.
Genesis 50:20 (GW) Even though you planned
evil against me, God planned good to come out of
it.
INTRODUCTION
Joseph's wise, theological answer here in
this verse has gone down in history as the
classic statement of God's sovereignty over the
affairs of men. [MacArthur Daily Bible 2003]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Whenever I read the story of Josephs
early life, I get caught up in the conflict,
emotional tension, and turmoil. But then I sigh when I
reach chapter 45 and see a beautiful picture of
peace and restored relationships. After Joseph
revealed his identity, he assured his brothers that
what had happened to him was part of Gods
plan. Joseph released them from their burden of
guilt. Once they recovered from their shock that
Joseph was alive, they sat down and talked about
how things had changed. The formerly despised
brother is now a powerful leader. The guilty
brothers are not only forgiven but protected and
provided for by the one they had wronged. The aging
father still grieving the loss of his beloved son
learns he is not only alive, but greatly honored;
hell soon see him again. A family struggling to
survive the famine is promised the best Egypt has to
offer.
When God takes evil and works good out of
it, unbelievable things happen. And its all
because of grace. Josephs story is thrilling, but
the New Testament shows how grace took the form
of a human being. Amazing things happened after
Jesus came to earth. Broken bodies and broken
hearts were healed. Weary souls found hope and a
way opened to find forgiveness and eternal life.
Im convinced that Jesus can take all
the broken dreams, strained relationships, and
past mistakes in my life and use them for good. I
want to grow in trust and obedience so that one
day I will look back and say, How things have
changed - all because of grace! by Dianne Neal
Matthews
Faith Step: What problem or situation in
your life seems senseless? Ask Jesus to infuse it
with His grace and bring good and beauty out of
those circumstances. [Mornings With Jesus 2020
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
COMMENTARY
When Joseph rose to become the chief
minister of Egypt's pharaoh, he had the opportunity
to take revenge on his brothers for selling him
into slavery years earlier. Instead, he forgave
them. He gave two reasons for choosing
forgiveness.
First, he said, "Am I in the place of
God?" To withhold forgiveness is to claim the
place of judge that only God deserves. We are in
no position to demand punishment for others
when we want mercy for ourselves.
Second, he saw God's hand in the events,
turning even cruelty to good. By selling him as a
slave, his brothers had placed Joseph in the right
place at the right time to limit the harm of a
famine that swept through the Middle East.
Our friends and family will inevitably
fail us sometimes, and we desperately need the
humility and confidence in God that enabled Joseph to
choose forgiveness over bitterness.
Forgiveness is possible and can transform
your life with the freedom only God can provide.
[The Daniel Plan 365-Day Devotional]
Forgiveness is a unique thought in the
times in which we live. In our uptight culture of
road rage, cyberbullying, and frivolous lawsuits,
we prize revenge as a virtue. I dont
remember when I last saw a movie celebrating
forgiveness. Payback is the story our culture likes to
see.
Weve all been hurt by someone. Weve
all been taken advantage of. Weve all been
insulted. Weve all had people wish us ill. Yet
Joseph faced all those things and was able to
extend forgiveness. Joseph shows us a better way.
In Josephs story, we learn how to overcome
adversity, how to face envy from others, how to resist
sexual temptation, and how to lay hold of and have
faith in the promises of God.
The most significant lesson in the life
of Joseph, however, is how to forgive those who
have hurt us. There isnt a better example of
forgiveness in the Bible than Jesus, but apart from our
Lord, Joseph shows forgiveness on an epic level.
Joseph was able to say to his brothers
who had sold him into slavery years earlier,
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all
for good (Genesis 50:20 NLT). In other words,
It was not you who sent me here but God.
The theme of Josephs life could be
summed up in Romans 8:28: And we know that God
causes everything to work together for the good of
those who love God and are called according to his
purpose for them (NLT). Whatever happened in
Josephs life, God used it for His glory.
We may not have full resolution on some
things until we get to Heaven and God explains it.
Or maybe just seeing His face will explain it
all. Whatever it is, it ultimately will work
together for good. [By Greg Laurie from Harvest
Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
Genesis 50:20 - God Often Brings Good Out Of
Evil.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2009/20090123-1759.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio:
https://bible.awr.org/en/the-signs/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
