Saturday, October 3, 2015

Two Sides of Gracious Sovereignty

   And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
   “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 
Genesis 45:5-8 NIV

There's two very different perspectives here. One from Joseph's position and the other from his brothers experience. Joseph had worked out the "why me" issues but his brothers were stuck on the "why did I do that", "if only I had" questions. Both perspectives, both experiences are covered by the gracious sovereignty of God.  

Maybe you are like me and there are a few choices, sins even, that you made that you honestly wish you hadn't made. I would be surprised if you weren't the recipient of the result of someone else's choices and actions. Some more harmful than others. "But God.." Those two words flip everything around, turning what is meant for harm into what was good, very good. This is a wonderful example of God sovereignly working all things out for good. Don't you think it is amazing that God shows us both sides; Joseph who really didn't do anything and his brothers who definitely sinned? 

In the end God worked out salvation for Joseph, his brothers and his father. So, I wonder what "salvation" God has planned for you and I? 

Father, you are Sovereign Lord, Almighty Father. You work all things out for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purposes. We are yours. Graciously work in our lives and bring salvation through us. 

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