God’s Place
Genesis 50:19 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.
I love how Joseph understands his place in the grand scheme of things. His brothers, the very ones who had sold him into slavery were standing before him, totally at his mercy. He fully possessed the power to take his revenge and get back at them for the years of hardship they’d put him through, and yet he knew that even though he held the position and wore the garb of a ruler, vengeance was not his to impose. This was God’s territory and Joseph would not step out of his true role of obedient servant to presume that he could move forward on his own with what he might see as righteous judgment. Although he had risen to significance and importance in the government of Egypt, he fully understood that his placement there was totally by the power and design of Almighty God. He also knew that his ascension to prominence was not just for his own exaltation and blessing, but his sole reason for arriving at the top was to save lives and bring sustenance to countless hungry stomachs that would have otherwise perished for starvation.
Joseph had been mistreated and abused in such an unforgivable manner, but out of submission himself to the plan of God for his life, he was able to see his brothers misdeeds as essential elements in fulfilling His Father’s ultimate purpose. What he brought out of the dungeon was not a bitter, depressed, and vengeful attitude, but an incredible appreciation for the grace, mercy, and favor of God. Although he could have expounded greatly upon the details of his abuse, magnifying the evil nature of his offenders and describing their likely and deserved end, he didn’t see his position as a means through which God would deal punishment. He understood, rather, that if God were to judge, that was one thing, but his role could only be that of provision and blessing.
How often is there an experience in life where abuse and mistreatment have brought great pain and hardship? It would seem that the greatest offense would be that of the one who has initially inflicted the difficulty. However, assuming the place of God in vengeance can become more detrimental to the ultimate plan of restoration and provision that is God’s heart and design. Even the greatest pre-meditated transgression can become a tool for righteousness when placed in the hand of God- greatest example – the cross. How many mouths have remained unfed because the ‘leader’ has become more occupied with taking the place of God in correction and punishment than occupying the true role of restoration and providing nourishment?
Beyond the insurmountable wall of personal abuse endured, there is an expansive realm of brightness and freedom from the restraints that abuse has imposed. The only way to the other side of that barrier, though, is to take the only position that is truly ours- forgiveness and provision. Any assumption of rightful payback and being consumed with the greatness of the wrong done will only further establish the debilitating effect of their deed. Giving all those offenses to God, though, will disable their constraints and enable God’s plan for provision. Their intent may have been for harm or evil, but in God’s hands it will be used for good to accomplish His purpose of salvation.
