As part of his sermon this past Sunday, our pastor made reference to Joseph, the one who was the favorite son of Jacob, who had the coat of many colors and was none to popular with his brothers. They resented him so much they sold him into slavery and told their father he was dead.

Joseph prospered as a slave of Potiphar. But his master’s wife tried to seduce him. When Joseph did not give in to her wishes, she told her husband that Joseph assaulted her, and he was put in prison. Talk about bad breaks and unjust treatment!  But throughout it all, God was with Joseph. He prospered in prison, interpreted Pharoah’s dreams about the upcoming famine, and became a ruler in Egypt.

His brothers eventually came to Egypt to buy grain, and after a bit of drama Joseph revealed himself to them. They were frightened, but he cared for them, moving the entire family down to the land of Goshen where he could provide for them.

After Jacob died, the brothers feared Joseph would now exact his revenge on them. This is how Joseph responded.

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

 I was reminded that the same thing happened to Jesus. He was unjustly punished for crimes he did not commit. The Jews meant the crucifixion for evil, a way to get rid of one they thought was a blasphemer. But God meant the crucifixion for good, and by it would save everyone who puts their faith in Jesus as Savior.

Thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.