Joseph Part 2 - It Really is not Over 'til its Over

S - Genesis 50:17b-21 (NIV): "Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them."

O - Was the means of Joseph's travel to Egypt and the means of his rise to Pharaoh's court and throne the only way for God's will to be fulfilled? Obviously the answer is no. Any among us can construct a "much better" scenario to get Joseph in the right place for the right time. Of course, another route would produce not only another context for the story but a different Joseph. There is no doubt that our life experiences strongly influence and shape who we are at our core … they are not the only dynamic which does this but they are a major one. Would David be the same David without the caves? Would Abraham be the same Abraham without the delay of Isaac and the journey up Moriah? Since the goal is not so much a place and function but a relationship with and likeness to the Lord (Romans 8:29; 2Corinthians 3:18) then these miseries in the mystery of God's will have more going on than mere endurance or tenacity. Joseph's statement to his brothers comes at a time when his perspective is clear and God's intentions beyond doubt. These (God's intent and purpose) were never in flux but Joseph's capacity to understand them was. It's not over tell it's over is an essential quality in the worldview of all who follow the Living God.

A - Joseph did not have to end up on Pharaoh's throne … he could have spent the rest of his life in Pharaoh's prison. He could have never seen his father again, missed the opportunity with the baker and cup bearer or been forgotten by the cup bearer regardless of Pharaoh's dreams. For Joseph, none of this happened and his life and legacy remain what they are. While endurance and tenacity in themselves do not guarantee a Joseph type ending they are essential to such an ending. My assignment is to believe, trust, and obey unto the will of God. I admit that he really is purposeful in everything he causes and in everything he allows. Today, while it is called today, my course is clear come what may. There is much that has been "evil" (even if the humans through whom it came do not intend it as such). This "evil" still lurks and holds the capacity to radically alter my life's course … but it is not beyond the control, focus nor purpose of the Lord and his intent for me is clear. I do welcome the will and ways of the Lord no matter what.

P - Dear Lord who is Life,

I turn to you in this day grateful for all that you have done and allowed. I am not yet able to see your purpose in much of this and I fear that somehow I will OR have already missed a moment which cannot be retrieved nor reconfigured. I am asking, seeking, knocking according to newwines skins and mulberry trees in the ocean … and I call upon you and your wonderful name in recognition that nothing is to wonderful for you. O King of all and King of me … I do welcome your will and commit to your purpose even though I am unclear on most of it and not liking most of the feel of it. Nevertheless, today begins and with You everything is possible … and when my life on this earth is over the last line will be and he lived happily ever after. Thank you for this, and for letting me love you back.

Steve