January 20, 2019: SOAP #3335:  Genesis 49-50; Psalm 8; Luke 20

Scripture:  Genesis (NIV) 50:18 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.

Observation:  Their father was dead, and Joseph’s brothers were afraid that Joseph would use his position and power to repay them for selling him as a slave to people headed for Egypt.  (Although not mentioned in the scriptures, I have often wondered how Potiphar’s wife took the news that Joseph had been made second in charge of all Egypt!)

But Joseph’s heart was in pleasing God, not in getting revenge.  He could clearly see how God had used the evil deeds of the brothers to bring about a great deliverance for his family.

A heart full of bitterness and unforgiveness would be focused on revenge and could never have interpreted the dreams for the cupbearer and baker in prison and later for Pharaoh.

Application:  The condition of my heart is very important if I am going to be used by God.

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, I need your help.  Do not let bitterness or unforgiveness ever hinder the flow of the supernatural in my life.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!