students of jesus

His brothers sold him into slavery, and from that great betrayal flowed years of hardship and further injustice. Through those difficult years of Joseph, son of Jacob, discovered the goodness of God.

Decades later, after reconciliation and reunion, the fear of payback after Jacob’s death drove his brothers to one final lie, “Our father’s final words were, ‘be sure to tell Joseph he should forgive his brothers.’”

Joseph, now wise to the ways of men and his brothers in particular, waved away the lie and their fears. “’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 recognized the goodness of God resident in the wickedness of men. Behind the mistakes of honest men, and beneath the malevolence of the wicked--even through our own weakness, God's goodness makes its steady way.

Perhaps you have a Joseph-story where God's goodness was at work in your life? I'd love to hear it.