But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19-21, NASB)
In this passage, Israel (Jacob) had died. Joseph’s brothers were afraid that Joseph would take revenge against them for selling him into slavery. Joseph seeks to reassure them: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid.”
Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream. He told Pharaoh there would be a great famine in the world, preceded by seven years of plenty. He convinced Pharaoh to stock up on food during the good years so Egypt would have food during the lean years. Pharaoh made Joseph his number two, and put him in charge of the food situation. Not bad–a Hebrew running Egypt!
When the famine hit the land of Canaan, Israel sent Joseph’s brothers down to Egypt to buy food, and they eventually discovered that their brother Joseph was alive, and in charge of Egypt. Pharaoh told Joseph to move the family to Egypt, where they would survive and thrive. When Israel died, the brothers became concerned about Joseph’s revenge.
https://www.quotescosmos.com/bible/bible-quotes/you-meant-it-for-evil-God-meant-it-for-good-Genesis-50-20.html.
What I find interesting is the thought of Satan’s participation in the story. Did the devil convince the brothers to sell Joseph into slavery? Was Satan trying to interrupt the ancestral line of the Savior of the world? Joseph’s actions prevented Israel’s family from starving. Israel’s son Judah, and his grandson Perez, are ancestors of Jesus. Did Satan try to snuff them out?
God often uses evil for good. In the case of Israel’s family, God took the situation of Joseph’s plight, and used it to sustain the family. God not only kept the future tribes of Israel alive, but He sustained the ancestral line of Jesus Christ!
We learned on Thursday morning that my Mom passed away. I’m comforted knowing that she’s in Heaven, and she was welcomed by the loving arms of Jesus!
I’m so sorry for your loss Wade, but I’m so glad for her that she’s home and safe in His arms. Knowing you, I am sure she was a wonderful, godly woman and I am thankful she was your mother. Good bless you and comfort you.
*God bless you.