Year 1, Week 8, Day 2 Bible Reading Observations

Year 1, Week 8, Day 2

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of Genesis 50 and Exodus 1.

Today’s reading brings the Book of Genesis to a close and then immediately begins the Book of Exodus. While a couple hundred years separates the events concluding Genesis from the events described at the start of Exodus, it is helpful to finish reading the one and begin reading the other in the same sitting. Moses, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, penned the first five Books of the Bible; and yet, it is also good to approach these books as one five-fold book. The first five books, one right after the other, are seamlessly unfolding the history of the world from the creation of all things to the creation of Israel as a nation. Genesis 50 reports an important conversation that Joseph and his brothers had, while Exodus 1 describes what life had become like for the descendants of Jacob during their extended stay in Egypt.

What struck me in today’s reading is what it reveals about the accomplishment of God’s purposes in the face of evil. Man’s evil does not thwart God’s good purposes; in fact, the LORD thwarts the ultimate intentions of men: “The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.” (Psalm 33:10). The plans of the LORD can turn back the wicked actions of men, but not visa-versa: “For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27). The plans of the LORD can also get worked out through the wicked actions of men: “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’…I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.” (Isaiah 46:10-11).

After the death of Jacob, Joseph’s brothers assume that he would now make his move of vengeance: “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” (Genesis 50:16b-17). But Joseph would not seek revenge, for he had a grasp of how God often works out His purposes: “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.” (Genesis 50:19-20). The reality of what Joseph has stated describes the interactive workings of the LORD through to the end of history. The LORD works through the evil workings of wicked people to bring about His purposes. Even as people violate the moral laws of God (and will be held accountable before Him for such); nevertheless, the decrees of God are getting worked out. God does not force people to do evil—evil people freely want to do evil—but the LORD concurrently has His own desires and intentions in the same events, which are holy and good. The ultimate illustration of this is displayed in the life of Christ: “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:23).

Joseph’s awareness of God’s purposes had settled in his heart. Joseph would not seek revenge. In fact, he was emotionally moved over the notion that he would treat them in a way that would not be gracious: “Joseph wept when they spoke to him.” (Genesis 50:17b). Joseph knew that God was accomplishing His purposes and that he was not God: “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?” (Genesis 50:19). Joseph was not dismissive of the evil that they had done, but he also knew that their evil designs were not ultimate. Thus, Joseph was able to show them grace: “So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:21). In both word and deed, Joseph was able to, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” (Romans 12:14). Knowing something of the sovereign purposes of God, even in the context of evil, can settle our hearts.

The LORD works through evil people to carry out His good purposes. This reality will be seen in the storyline of Exodus. The Book opens with evil being inflicted upon the children of Israel: “Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens.” (Exodus 1:8-11). But the LORD was at work in this tragic situation. His people were fruitful and multiplying (remember Genesis 1:28; 17:6; 47:27); but they were subdued and ruled over. Exodus opens with the evil actions of a wicked Pharaoh actively oppressing the Lord’s Covenant people. But has Pharaoh thwarted God’s plans of having a people dwelling in the land that He has provided? We will see, as Exodus unfolds, that what Pharaoh meant for evil, God meant for good.

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe