Devotional: But God

 

Scripture Reference: Genesis 50:20

Joseph's life was marked by betrayal, hardship, and injustice. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph faced numerous trials that could have embittered him. Yet, his response to his brothers years later reveals a profound shift in perspective: "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive" (Genesis 50:20 NKJV).

In the face of pain caused by others, it's natural to feel anger and injustice. We often struggle to see beyond our immediate circumstances, consumed by what we perceive as undeserved suffering. Joseph's pivotal moment came when he chose to see his life through the lens of God's sovereignty. Instead of dwelling on the wrongs done to him, he acknowledged God's hand in orchestrating events for a greater purpose.

Reflect on a situation where you have felt wronged or betrayed. How might adopting a "But God" perspective change your outlook on this experience?

Consider the ways God might be working behind the scenes in your life, even in moments of pain or adversity. How can you surrender these situations to Him, trusting His ultimate plan?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in moments of pain and injustice, help me to turn my gaze toward You. Like Joseph, help me to see beyond my immediate circumstances and trust in Your higher purpose. Give me the strength to surrender my hurts and disappointments to You, knowing that You can turn them into something good. Thank You for Your promise to work all things together for good. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Sermon Notes: Jesus and Joseph

 Introduction: 

Today, we delve into the story of Joseph, a journey from the pit to the palace, illustrating how one can move beyond crisis to Divine destiny. The story of Joseph is not just a tale of ancient times but a profound reflection of the trials and triumphs we experience in our own lives.

1. Life’s Challenges: At some point in your life, you will encounter rejection, betrayal, false accusations, temptation, bitterness, and resentment. These challenges are part of our human experience. However, through these trials, we also discover the favor of God and the path to God's unlimited prosperity.

2. Moving Beyond Crisis: To move beyond your crisis to your Divine destiny, you must:

•Move beyond your heartaches to achieve your Impossible Dream.

•Move beyond bitterness to receive the favor of God.

•Move beyond your accusers to move from the pit to the palace.

3. Joseph and Jesus: Joseph’s life parallels the life of Jesus in many ways:

•Shepherds: Both Joseph and Jesus are depicted as shepherds, guiding their flocks. Psalm 23 beautifully describes the Lord as our Shepherd.

•Saviors: Joseph saved his family, 70 people living under Jacob, by providing for them during a famine. Jesus saves us by offering eternal life.

4. Symbols of Sacrifice:

•Coat of Many Colors & Seamless Robe: Joseph’s coat was soaked in animal blood by his brothers to deceive their father into thinking he was dead. Similarly, Jesus’ robe was soaked in His precious blood. The hymn "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus" reminds us of this sacrifice.

•Bread of Life: Joseph was sent by his father to his brothers with bread. Jesus was sent by God the Father to earth as the Bread of Life.

5. Rejection and Redemption:

•Rejected: Joseph was rejected by his brothers; Jesus was rejected by His people.

•Gentile Bride: Joseph was given a Gentile bride by Pharaoh. Jesus, through the cross, was given a Gentile bride—the Church.

6. God's Unseen Hand: When you find yourself in a pit, remember that you are God's anointed. Even if you can't see where you're going, trust that God is leading you to a destiny greater than you can imagine.

7. Moments of Despair:

•When your brothers strip you of your coat and throw you in a pit, you might ask, "Where is God?"

•When you are sold into slavery and falsely accused, you might ask, "Where is God?"

•When you are imprisoned and forgotten, you might ask, "Where is God?"

8. God's Guidance: In all these moments, God’s unseen hand is guiding you. Though you are in the pit today, God is leading you to the palace tomorrow.

9. The Revealer of Secrets: Joseph was known as Zephanath Panea, the revealer of secrets. Similarly, Paul writes in Romans 2 that in the day of judgment, God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. The revealer of secrets is coming.

Conclusion: 

Are you ready for the coming of Jesus Christ? When you feel like you're in a bottomless pit, remember that God is with you, leading you to a destiny far greater than you can imagine. Trust in Him, move beyond your crisis, and embrace the Divine destiny He has planned for you.