“And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.”
Genesis 45:7–8, ESV
These words of Joseph to his brothers are words of forgiveness as well as words of conviction. We know that God works all things together for good. He does with things meant to do harm and turns them into a blessing. This isn’t always the case and does not excuse evil actions against faithful people. Just as forgiveness does not justify the action being forgiven but frees us of the bondage of the wound. But as faithful people, we lay it all at the feet of our Lord and seek His mercy. In these times, we can find our hope in His providence. The life of Joseph was filled with much difficulty, but in that difficulty, he was able to bless and be a light to some that otherwise would never have known it. These blessings became a blessing for him as he was given a position in which he continued to bless others. In his position of power, however, Joseph never forgot who was truly in control, and all glory was given to God. We are to be reminded of the same as we are given authority to use that to the glory of God continually and always remember to whom all authority belongs. Any power we receive, whether it be just a little or a lot, let us use it always to the glory of God to be a blessing that more may come to know the truth of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.