Today’s Bible reading is Genesis 50 and Luke 23.
In Genesis 50, when their father Jacob had died, Joseph’s brothers became very afraid. “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.”
But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (Gen 50:19-21)
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
More than 1,500 years later, we see the greatest testament to the truth of Joseph’s humility and wisdom.
It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46)
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
Joseph in Genesis 50 and Jesus in Luke 23 both show us that the worst evil can be used by God for immeasurable good. Through Joseph, God “brought it about” that many people should be kept alive through a famine. Through Jesus, God “brought it about” that many people should have a once-for-all sacrifice for sin.
The ultimate reality being revealed in both examples? Our Sovereign Lord reigns, he cannot be defeated, and he wants the best for each and every one of us, even at the cost of his own Son. God meant it, and continues to mean it, for good.