Last week when I prepared for my Sunday school course, the lesson on Joseph forgiving his brothers touched me deeply. You have to read quite a number of chapters in Genesis to get the whole story about Joseph's journey. This is the verse that summarizes a lot:
Genesis 45:19-21:
[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.]
There are 2 things I noted:
1) Joseph embraced the sovereign will of God: “Am I in the place of God?” - Joseph acknowledged his place as human and therefore he should not pass judgement on others or circumstances in the place of God. Joseph would not take matters in his own hands as if he had the right to pay back his brothers. While his brothers had intended to harm him, God had intended good. Our God alone is in control of all things and all things work in Him for the good of those who love him. Let's trust in His sovereign will for us and for His creation!
2) The “good” God intended was not about Joseph leading a happily-ever-after life when he was finally elevated to a powerful position as ruler of Eygpt (45:8). Rather it was the accomplishment of God’s will - the saving of many lives. [May He use us to bring salvation even to those who have intended to hurt or harm us!] Joseph's journey to reunite with his family was a painful one. Weeping occurred quite a few times in describing Joseph 42:24, 30(2 times), 45:14 (2 times), 45:19, 46:29, 50:1, 3, 17. Yet it was not about his personal fulfillment and success that moved him deeply. The ultimate joy for Joseph was not his personal advancement but in the saving of many lives according to God's plan.
One more time I surrender myself to God’s sovereign will in my life. The Lord has blessed me and comforted me with Isaiah 54:16-17 on weekend:
16 "See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc;
17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me," declares the Lord.
God is sovereign. He is the creator of all things. He can restrain harmful things in our lives. He can also use them to achieve His own purpose.
In the meantime I have been busy enjoying everything – good food, fellowship, ministry, devotional reading, etc. Thank you for all your kind words and support!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Psalm 131
Psalm 131
v.1 O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;
Nor do I involve myself in great matters,
Or in things too difficult for me.
v.2 Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;
Like a weaned child rests against his mother,
My soul is like a weaned child within me.
v.3 O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever. (NASB)
I went to the doctor at Princess Margaret Hospital on Chinese New Year Eve for check-up and I felt a sense of doom that the recurrence of cancer is inevitable. My immediate reaction - what I can (or should) do with my shortened life? The Lord granted me this Psalm on Chinese New Year’s Eve to sleep on.
This Psalm by David lifted my soul and yet grounded me back to reality. The circumstance has humbled me so that my heart is not proud and my eyes do not aim high. I do not need to always seek a challenging path or strive for excellence, significance, or success…
Lord, help me become grounded in your will and your way and be contented like a weaned child. I am praying to compose and silence my soul. The analogy of a weaned child is marvelous – no longer demanding the mother’s breast milk for immediate gratification or comfort. I have been a fussy demanding baby! But for now, let me learn to securely rest in the mother’s presence. Indeed His love is sufficient. His providence will give me what I really need. I can be satisfied with His good gifts.
v.1 O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;
Nor do I involve myself in great matters,
Or in things too difficult for me.
v.2 Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;
Like a weaned child rests against his mother,
My soul is like a weaned child within me.
v.3 O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever. (NASB)
I went to the doctor at Princess Margaret Hospital on Chinese New Year Eve for check-up and I felt a sense of doom that the recurrence of cancer is inevitable. My immediate reaction - what I can (or should) do with my shortened life? The Lord granted me this Psalm on Chinese New Year’s Eve to sleep on.
This Psalm by David lifted my soul and yet grounded me back to reality. The circumstance has humbled me so that my heart is not proud and my eyes do not aim high. I do not need to always seek a challenging path or strive for excellence, significance, or success…
Lord, help me become grounded in your will and your way and be contented like a weaned child. I am praying to compose and silence my soul. The analogy of a weaned child is marvelous – no longer demanding the mother’s breast milk for immediate gratification or comfort. I have been a fussy demanding baby! But for now, let me learn to securely rest in the mother’s presence. Indeed His love is sufficient. His providence will give me what I really need. I can be satisfied with His good gifts.
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