An Old Testament Romans 8:28 Person
May 17, 2008 (Saturday)
Our men’s Sunday School class has been studying about Joseph in the Bible Book of Genesis for the past several weeks. We were all impressed with the life of this great man. His life stands as an example of how Romans 8:28 works. God takes everything that happens and weaves it all into a beautiful plan that works for the good of those who love God and want to become what God wants them to be. Joseph’s experiences became part of the plan of God that eventually brought Jesus into this world as our one and only hope of eternal life. Joseph’s obedience to God and willingness to serve Him became pivotal factors in God’s great plan of redemption.
A quick refresher course in Joseph’s life for those who are unfamiliar with it:
Joseph was his father’s favorite, and the other ten sons (not counting baby brother Benjamin) resented Joseph. They went to extremes in showing their hatred, selling him as a slave and showing their father Joseph’s garment they had soaked in goat’s blood. Jacob concluded Joseph had been killed by a wild animal, and believed Joseph was dead. His grief was great.
Taken into Egypt, Joseph became the servant of Potiphar, a man of great authority. Falsely accused of impropriety by Potiphar’s wife, he was thrown into prison, where he remained many years.
When Pharaoh repeatedly had a troubling dream, he was told of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams, and ordered Joseph brought before him. Joseph interpreted the dream as a prediction of wide spread famine, preceded by seven years of bountiful crops. He suggested the storing of harvests for seven years, and then a program of distribution for the seven years of famine. Joseph was appointed prime minister and put in charge of the program.
Years later, as the famine reached the land of Jacob and his sons, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain. When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers and forgave them for selling him into slavery many years before, he pointed out to them that they had evil intentions when they did it, but God had something good in mind for them all.
The people of God remained in Egypt 400 years. They increased in population until, in fear of their numbers, the Egyptians enslaved them. Then God raised up Moses to lead them into the promised land. God eventually sent the Messiah to the world through them.
If you haven’t read it lately, get out your Bible and read the story of Joseph. It will touch your heart, and inspire you to be a better person.