God's Work Through Joseph

Sermon Theme: At the end of a life marked by suffering and opposition, Joseph faces the brothers who betrayed him and says this stunning line, “What you intended for evil, God intended for good.” The story of Joseph gives us important truths for making sense of God’s work in the midst of suffering – nothing surprises God, nothing is wasted in God’s hands, it’s never too late for God to work in our lives and God never stops working to bring about salvation.  

Reading Theme: We will pick up the story after the death of Joseph – seeing how God will continue to work faithfully on behalf of His people as they face more suffering at the hands of Egypt.  

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Genesis 37:3-8, 50:15-21

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You will find the Sermon Notes for today’s message here.

REFLECTION

A Colorful Story

by Elaine Pierce

One of the things I love about God's Word is how real it is. The heroes of old aren't saints. They are real people with flaws, just like us. And Genesis is full of examples of how God uses sinful people - who are willing to trust Him - to work his purposes.

One such story is about Joseph and his brothers. If you ever needed a case study on sibling rivalry, you could start right here. Joseph is the youngest of Jacob's huge family, and he is his father's decided favorite. (Making a coat of many colors just for Joseph is a dead giveaway). And Joseph reminds his older brothers of his 'favored son' status, as he shares his somewhat outlandish dreams with them. This, of course, infuriates them. Filled with jealousy and rage toward Joseph, they concoct a plan to sell Joseph into slavery. I'm guessing you know the story - it's truly a page turner, of how Joseph trusts God and God blesses him with a life of fame, fortune and wealth.

But Joseph's path to 'fame and fortune' was not a straight line. Before he achieved the position of second to the Pharaoh of Egypt, he was thrown into a pit by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, and thrown into prison to languish for years. All because his brothers hated him, because his father loved him dearly.

Joseph could have responded to these setbacks with anger, resentment, or resignation. But, as we read in Genesis 50, when he and his brothers are reunited years after his brother left him for dead, he did not give his brothers what they deserved. What Joseph, second in command to Pharaoh, said to his brothers, are worth reading over and pondering:

“Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. [emphasis is added by writer]

Yes, God can use our selfish, sinful actions for good. He can redeem even our worst moments. No sin is ever beyond God's forgiveness.

Is there something you need to confess to God? Is there a course correction you need to make in your life? Have you hurt a friend, a family member? Have you done something you know deep down is not pleasing to God? It's never too late to ask for forgiveness. He is eager to listen and to welcome you home. All you need to do is ask.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

Sunday: PEACE: Blessed are the Shalom-makers, for they shall be called the children of God. We confess that we have all sinned and fallen short of your glory, O God. We have broken the peace and wholeness of your good world. Forgive us, lead us, and restore us. Reform us into peacemakers instead of peace-breakers.