“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.
The Death of Joseph
So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father’s house. Joseph lived 110 years. And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation. The children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were counted as Joseph’s own. And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” So Joseph died, being 110 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.” Genesis 50:19-26
Framing Life like Joseph
Joseph’s story is a long and fascinating one that spans chapters thirty-seven through fifty in Genesis. He made many very admirable choices, but he also endured persecution, betrayal, unfounded accusations, jail time, and more. Our focus scripture is about the end of his life, as he transitioned from running his spiritual race on earth to being one of those witnesses in heaven, cheering us on.
Joseph’s perspective on the events of his life is remarkable. I have met so many people who have experienced hard times and developed bitter views on life or resentful attitudes toward those they believe are responsible.
Looking at life through God’s perspective
However, Joseph can look back on his life with a Kingdom perspective, seeing the good that came out of his personal pain, and forgiving those who caused his hardships.
“But Joseph said to them [his brothers], “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.” Genesis 50:19-21
He could have folded in on himself in anger and bitterness, but he chose to see his circumstances in light of what God was working on in his life. Joseph’s choice helped heal his family, protected the entire Israelite line and provided for their future.
The End of Joseph’s Life
Joseph lived to see his descendants to the fourth generation before he died. He got to see his family live and thrive in the best part of the land while in Egypt. However, when he was about to die, he reminded his family that God would bring the Israelites out of Egypt and back to the land that God had given them.
He makes them promise to bring his bones with them and bury them in the promised land when they go. Even in death, he secures a place among his people in the promised land and an inheritance for his descendants. And it happens! It is recorded in the book of Joshua after Joshua brings God’s people into the promised land.
“As for the bones of Joseph, which the people of Israel brought up from Egypt, they buried them at Shechem, in the piece of land that Jacob bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money. It became an inheritance of the descendants of Joseph.” Joshua 24:32
Framing Life like Joseph
Like in Joseph’s life, God’s perspective can help us frame our circumstances with a view to how God is at work in our lives. We can see how He is working all things for the good.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
ACTION STEP:
How do you see your life today? Are you focused on the painful events and struggles or are you viewing your circumstances through the lens of God’s faithfulness to keep His promises? He can and will work through our pain to bring about eternal purposes and good results. We may not be able to see it in the moment, but He is already at work. This week, let’s work to find God at work in our lives and frame our view with His perspective.
Please post your thoughts and pics under Week 9 in the Facebook group @DevoInAction (https://www.facebook.com/devoinaction) or post on Instagram and tag me @devoinaction!
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PRAYER:
Dear God, Thank you that you are at work even in the most difficult times of our lives. Help us to see the good that you are working to bring about and trust your faithfulness at all times. We choose your perspective today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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