God is Working

Introduction

-Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

-Discuss God’s providence. We can’t see how God is working, but know that He is working all things for the good of His children. Our life circumstances may not make sense in the moment but God sees the whole picture.

-Give brief history of Jacob.

(vs. 1-2) The primary purpose of these last several chapters is to give a historical account of Jacob’s descendants and how they arrived in Egypt before God liberated them in Exodus (when God called Moses and he began writing the Law and the history of their people, demonstrating how God has worked throughout time).

Joseph played a pivotal role in God’s plans. Even though he was used by God he had trouble in his life. We see how God was able to use hatred, envy, and betrayal to accomplish good.

I. Favoritism and Envy (vs. 3-4)

A. Israel (meaning Prince of God, renamed for his victorious striving in life, Genesis 32:28) loved Joseph more than any of his other sons

1. His affection was so great that he gave Joseph a coat of many colors

a. This would have been expensive with all the colors. Essentially, he spent the amount he could have spent for all of his sons on Joseph alone

b. Jacob made the same mistake his parents made, which resulted in him being forced to leave home

2. This impacted the family tremendously (vs. 4)

a. The boys hated Joseph and couldn’t speak nicely to him

b. Why blame Joseph? It’s not like he asked to be Jacob’s favorite

1. Joseph happened to be the son of Jacob’s preferred wife (Rachel) and was the son of his old age

2. The brothers wanted their father’s love and approval but would never get it so long as Joseph held Jacob’s heart. So, they hated Joseph

B. Illus. Yesterday, Grace, the kids, and I went to Louisville to attend my graduation ceremony for my Master’s degree. It was a 3 and 1/2 hour drive one way, so it ended up being an all day event. After they served us lunch we started that journey northward, toward home. By the time we got home it would be after 6, so we decided to stop for gas in Peru and grab a quick bite to eat. Grace wanted me to pick the place, since it was my graduation day. I wanted to go to my favorite fast food restaurant, Taco Bell. My girls, however, had their hearts set on french fries. So, Grace asked if it would be alright if she and the girls got a burger and fries while I got Taco Bell. I didn’t care, I still got my comfort food. After I got my food I met them across the street at Burger King and sat down with them. Susan greeted me with the declaration, “Daddy got boy food to eat”

1. See the damage of favoritism?

a. When it comes to parents, they must have unique and special relationships with their kids, but they must be careful not to favor one over another

b. Love them equally and honor them as special creations, all made in the image of God

2. We must also tread carefully as Christians not to show favoritism

a. James 2:1 “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”

b. Imagine how it feels to be picked last for dodge ball, not getting invited to your friend’s house/party, feeling like the neglected child because mom and dad preferred another sibling

c. Favoritism breeds problems. We bring glory to God when we don’t give some people special treatment over others. Love your neighbor as yourself

3. We see the damage Jacob’s favoritism caused in his family

II. Hatred (vs. 5-11)

-Favoritism led to hatred

A. Now, anything that Joseph does is going to be scrutinized. Nothing he does will ever be seen as positive by the brothers. Including his dreams (vs. 5-11)

1. Joseph had two dreams with very similar patterns and outcomes

a. First, he and his brothers had sheaves. His stood tall while all the others bowed down to his

b. Second, the sun, moon, and 11 stars bowed down to him

2. These produced a stronger hatred of Joseph and even a rebuke from his dad

a. But it prompted enough intrigue for Jacob to bear it in mind, wondering about its meaning

b. Did the brothers consider the depth of meaning? No. Their jealousy and hated grew and grew

B. In the wise words of Master Yoda, “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering” (Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, 1999)

1. Nobody wins when one person hates another

a. Jesus equates harboring anger in our hearts as murder (Matthew 5:21-22)

b. Anger and hatred is what led Cain to murder his brother Abel (Genesis 4:5-8)

c. (think of a third example to mention)

2. It is when we let anger fester and grow into hatred that we have outbursts that destroy reputations, people, lives, and churches

a. What’s the solution? Take the first step toward letting go of your anger. How do we do that? Make peace/reconcile

1. Matthew 5:23–24 “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

2. Essentially, we can make peace with others by saying one of two things: “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you”

b. Illus. Becca and I didn’t work out. Unbeknownst to me, I held a grudge for years against her. It all came bubbling up when Grace and I were going through a bin of stuff from my childhood and teenage years. We found the letters that Becca wrote to me, different paintings she made, and little odds and ends. I ended up scoffing about Becca, just the thought of her disgusted me. Grace made me realize how bad I was acting and feeling toward her. So, I asked Grace if I could send an apology toward her and she said yes. After I sent that message of asking her forgiveness I felt so much lighter. We have reconciled and I no longer feel embittered toward her.

c. It can be a hard journey toward reconciliation. Which is better? To make the hard choices to end a conflict and have that weight lifted off your shoulders? Or, to live in a perpetual prison of anger and hatred?

III. Betrayal (vs. 12-36)

A. Imagine how bad Jacob’s house felt with all that animosity? It’s no wonder his sons went off to a far away land to tend to their sheep (vs. 12-17)

1. As Joseph approached the brothers conspired to kill him, but Reuben (the oldest brother) persuaded them not to end his life but to throw him in the pit so he himself could gain favor with Jacob (vs. 21-22)

2. For some reason, Reuben left the group while Joseph was left in the pit. Travelers who bought and sold merchandise happened to pass by and Judah (the third brother) recommended they sell Joseph instead (vs. 26-28)

3. Instead of falling into ill favor with dad, they chose to pretend like Joseph died at the hands of a wild animal. Meanwhile, Joseph was sold into the captain of Pharaoh’s bodyguard’s house (vs. 31-36)

B. The principle of our Lord is true in many ways, “From the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks”

1. Anger, jealousy, and hatred can ultimately result in betrayal and worse. We want to do good to others, not harm

2. The difficulty comes when our feelings are negative toward someone else

a. The solution is simple, but not easy. Serve one another in love

1. Galatians 5:13–14 “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.””

2. It takes humility to set aside our personal agenda and feelings to intentionally meet someone else’s need, serving them and doing good to them from the love of God

b. Matthew 5:43–44 ““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

3. Our inner condition and outward actions are connected. One impacts the other. When we choose to do good, serve, and pray for others out of love then our attitude toward them improves

Conclusion

You might be thinking to yourself, “What a horrible situation for Joseph!” That’s a fair statement. It’s also true to say that most of his problems were not his fault. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that was brought on by factors out of your control? It may not have been your fault but you had to deal with the consequences. “That’s not fair!” We think. “Why would God allow me to go through something like that?”

Joseph had endured ridicule from his brothers, a rebuke from his father, betrayal, and slavery. He probably felt alone and forsaken. Little did he know at the time that God had placed him in the prime spot to save the world. This is the first stepping stone to God bringing the children of Israel to Egypt so He could show His Divine power and form a holy nation to bring about the Messiah. None of that would have been in Joseph’s mind. All he could see was evil. Even so, we see in the following chapters that he never lost his faith in God and sought to live a life of excellence for the Lord.

God is looking to use us. Don’t dwell on the evils around you. God knows the future and might have placed you here so that He can bring about a great blessing through you. Remember Romans 8:28, He works all things out for good to those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.

Seek to live a life of excellence in all you do: instead of favoritism and envy treat everyone the way you want to be treated, with love and respect. Rather than dwelling on anger and hatred seek reconciliation through two sayings “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you”. Instead of betraying your friends Keep your faith in God and persevere. Only then will you see the blessings on the other side.