SCRIPTURE: Genesis 50:15-26

OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Observe how Joseph’s brothers sins continue to haunt them later in life, even though Joseph had already forgiven them. They fear he was just being nice while their father lived, and that now he will get even with them. Joseph demonstrates a remarkable spirit of forgiveness – though I wonder how he might have responded if his story hadn’t turned out so good in the end. We can only guess, but at least here he shows no sense of bitterness or vengeance. His comment about “the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” shows that he has a bigger perspective, that his hardships were a part of God’s unfolding promise to make Israel a great nation.

If only I could see my life in terms of the big picture, that my experiences and struggles and circumstances all fit together in the Lord’s Master Plan – for me, but more importantly, for the Universe. Each one of us is a significant part of His plan, and we can either “work with it” through whatever happens, or “resist it”.

PRAYER:
Lord, I want to work with You, and Your purpose for the Universe, for all people, and for me. Give me the faith to see the big picture when my little picture seems distorted, pointless or difficult. Amen.