How do you view suffering or trials? You probably know that most people shun them. People do not think of them as being beneficial. Yet the Bible has a lot of stories about the good that comes as a result of the trails. Joseph is a shining example of the maturity and blessings derived from his painful experience. Let’s see this wonderful outcome displayed in the characters of Joseph in this chapter.
Commentary:
Genesis 45:1-2. Joseph was gravely wronged years ago. Yet he harbored no hatred toward his brother. He was taught by his experience that what his brothers meant for evil God had turned it into good. Joseph experienced the faithfulness of God.
Joseph tested his brothers to determine their state of mind. When his testing revealed that his brothers loved Benjamin, he was tremendously relieved. Joseph could no longer hold back the emotion from years of suffering and imprisonment; the tears came rushing down.
Genesis 45:5. Joseph was concerned that his brothers may take his good will the wrong way. He brought up the issue of their offense against him and consoled them. He made it clear that God was the ultimate authority for what happened to him.
Genesis 45:24. Joseph had matured a lot in these years of suffering. His self-assurance had grown through his daily exercise in overseeing Egypt. When he sent off his brothers, he was acting more like the oldest brother than the one next to the youngest.
Meditation:
Certainly Joseph has matured tremendously through trials. His case proves that trials will be good if God is in it. The opposite is also true. Trials will have no meaning and would seem unjust if God did not participate in the process. Evidently it is true, for many people without God usually experience mostly tremendous hollowed and negative feelings from trials.
Christians should rejoice because God is always present in our life. We can rest assured that no trials would be an empty encounter. Sometimes, we know right away the benefits of them. Other times, we will find out much later on. Nevertheless, we know we are always cared for by our Lord.
Reading about the tears of Joseph brings up something that needs to be validated. Just because suffering can be beneficial does not mean that it is not painful. Emotion is still real and needs to be dealt with. I think that is why Christians need to have fellowship. In the care, communication of our genuine, loving family of God, we can find balm to our wounds and rest for our weary souls.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for always looking out for us. We praise you for you can turn the ugliest situation into something good. We pray that we will be more willing and more collaborate to your work in times of our trials. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
I’m a bit confused, so does that mean that god is in EVERY arguement and upon every way of judging? I do rejoice that god is in my life, but if god is looking at every case, would he not make all of the trials fair and just?
Comment by tsou — May 24, 2010 @ 8:41 pm