Genesis 50, Mark 13

Monday, February 4, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker

"God intended it for good. Let's not miss it."

(Genesis 50)

Vs.19-21 “But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”

Joseph continued to offer so much grace to his brothers. They obviously came in fear. The charges against them were great, so much so that they began to scheme, yet again, to protect themselves. Joseph was truly a man of God. I don’t recall him even reminding them that they sold him into slavery and left him so many years ago. It’s unbelievable that not only did he forgive them, but provided for them and promised to do so for their children. Verse 21 puts the icing on the cake. He didn’t offer them provision then hoard his kindness over them, he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

There is so much to learn in our faith journey. God, soften our hearts for others. Give us compassion where you have compassion.

(Mark 13)

Vs. 32-34 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

God is preparing His bride. I don’t know if there is any way we can know completely what that will look like, but when I see God moving in ways I’ve never seen him, it reminds me He's doing it for a reason. It’s true that we each go through seasons of preparation as well, we grow, we become more sensitive to the Spirit’s movement, but there is something special going on in the church today. There is a movement for the things of God. There seems to be a renewed sense of passion for unified efforts. There is a hunger to put hands and feet to our faith.

God, as you move, don’t let us miss it. Make us ready. It’s so easy to make our faith about ourselves. Help us dear God to find what you are passionate about. Help us to find your perspective and priority in your Word. Strip away our agenda. Help us to see through our own priorities and perspectives that are a result of our history and exposure, and help us to simply trust what your Word says.