What Man Meant for Evil, God Meant for Good

Good morning, everyone! Whether you're here with us in the room or joining online—listening live or later—we’re truly glad you're here. You're part of our extended spiritual family, and we're thankful for you.

Hey, if you’ve got kids with you this morning—now’s a great time for them to head to class. We’ve got an amazing team ready to welcome them and help them know Jesus in a way that makes sense to them

For the rest of us, grab your Bible, get comfortable, and get ready for what God has for you today.

Wow…we are finally at the end of Genesis today. This is a project that we started in May of 2022…Now we are at the end of one of the most powerful books of Scripture. I love Genesis because it truly is the start of everything. We can see how God created the world and what God’s original design was. Then we see how man messed it up pretty quickly. However, God, being a loving and sovereign God, immediately promised redemption—a plan that would ultimately be fulfilled in His Son Jesus Christ, who died for people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.

Of course this whole series on Joseph, we have been walking through his life and frankly through his suffering. We have seen Joseph rise and fall and rise and fall and rise all while God was sovereign over those events. That means God has the authority over all of the events of Joseph’s life. Now, we are looking at the end of Joseph’s life and Josephs brothers will approach him today, and what Joseph will tell his brothers is what this entire series has been about. Joseph says, “As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose." —(Joseph) . In other words. What man meant for evil…God meant for good!

Now, this morning I want you to image something with me. You see, Beth loves to cross stitch. She will frequently do that while we watch a movie, or while we are just sitting at the house. Cross stitch is a really interesting art. You see, when you are cross stitching you are focused on a small section of a very large picture. Frequently Beth will acknowledge that she messed something up and then she will have to take out a whole section because it was off by a very small mark. However, if she were to continue the whole picture would suffer. Now when you look at this piece that Beth is working on, it looks nothing like the whole picture is supposed to look like. That’s because she is zoomed in on a small section. However, when you zoom back out and the project is complete you see a masterpiece. Here’s the deal…our lives are the zoomed in section of that cross stitch. It makes no sense how one little “x” makes a difference in our lives, or how the picture is coming together. However, God does not see the zoomed in section the way we do…He is looking at the whole picture and guiding how everything fits together.

Joseph’s life felt tangled and focused on one piece at a time—betrayal, slavery, prison…But when you zoom out, you see God’s masterpiece; the preservation of Israel and the fulfillment of His promises.

You see, when we step back from Joseph’s life, we discover that beautiful patter that is stitched together by a sovereign hand. And nowhere is that clearer than in the closing chapters of Genesis. The story doesn’t end with Joseph’s success in Egypt—it ends with two funerals. From Jacob’s death to Joseph’s death, we are reminded that God is faithful even in life’s final moments. So let’s begin by looking at God’s promises and…

God’s Faithfulness in Death (Genesis 49:28–50:14)

We have alot of reading today, so let’s go ahead and open up to Genesis 49 and start at vs. 28

Genesis 49:28–50:14 ESV

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him. Then he commanded them and said to them, “I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah— the field and the cave that is in it were bought from the Hittites.” When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people. Then Joseph fell on his father’s face and wept over him and kissed him. And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel. Forty days were required for it, for that is how many are required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days. And when the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, ‘My father made me swear, saying, “I am about to die: in my tomb that I hewed out for myself in the land of Canaan, there shall you bury me.” Now therefore, let me please go up and bury my father. Then I will return.’ ” And Pharaoh answered, “Go up, and bury your father, as he made you swear.” So Joseph went up to bury his father. With him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his household, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, as well as all the household of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s household. Only their children, their flocks, and their herds were left in the land of Goshen. And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen. It was a very great company. When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented there with a very great and grievous lamentation, and he made a mourning for his father seven days. When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning on the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a grievous mourning by the Egyptians.” Therefore the place was named Abel-mizraim; it is beyond the Jordan. Thus his sons did for him as he had commanded them, for his sons carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place. After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone up with him to bury his father.

Ok, so we’ve just read of Jacob’s final moments and his burial in Canaan. At first glance, this feels like the closing of a chapter, it’s a somber scene. Jacob’s twelve prophetic blessings were for his sons, but really they extended to the tribes that his sons/grandsons would start themselves. Each blessing would be revealed in Israels historic realities. But more than that, this burial is not just about death—it’s about God’s promises. Even in the grave, Jacob’s hope is anchored in the covenant-keeping God.

That’s why…

Jacob’s burial reminds us that God keeps His promises.

You see, way back when Jacob’s grandfather spoke with God in Gen 15 God told Abram, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.” That promise was then passed down to Jacob’s father, and then passed down to Jacob. Even though this is a promise that is not fuly realized yet, Jacob insists on being buried in that place—as an act of faith. Think of it this way…this is Jacob’s way of saying that God’s promises are more real than Egypt’s power.

There’s something that Jacob knows that he is communicating to his sons…

Death is not the end for God’s people.

Now we saw Joseph grieve in a powerful way. Joseph’s weeping here is not a quiet stoic tear running down his face…This was a weeping that was vocal, loud and bitter wailing. This was ugly crying that is going on here. What is great though is that even though Joseph, and likely his brothers are experiencing this time of mourning which includes times of weeping, they know this isn’t the end. They know that because they have walked with their father who talked to God. Joseph has trusted God during the 83 years in Egypt before he dies.

You see, faithful Christianity doesn’t suppress sorrow, it adds hope to that sorrow. The very idea that they are burying Jacob in Canaan is foreshadowing the resurrection hope that we have in Christ. You see, Egypt is not their final resting place, it is only their temporary home…just like this world is not our final resting place, but if you are in Christ. You have a future in the new promised land. In the first few centuries of Christianity there were grave markings that were read things like, “Here lies “so-and-so”, awaiting the resurrection in Christ. They wanted their burial inscriptions to testify to their hope in Christ and the resurrection. Jacob telling his sons to bury him in Canaan shows his faith in God’s promises, and points his family to that same faith.

The thing is, God’s promises stand in death. But what about in the face of fear and doubt?

God’s Sovereignty Over Fear (Genesis 50:15–21)

LEt’s keep reading here in

Genesis 50:15–21 ESV

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.” ’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Here we see the brothers’ fear rise up after Jacob’s passing. They worry Joseph might repay them for their sins against him now. But instead of vengeance, Joseph points them upward—to God’s greater plan. This passage teaches us not about Joseph’s goodness alone, because no one is good alone, but about God’s sovereignty over evil and over our fears. Let’s think about that together this morning. First of all the brothers revealed a truth about themselves…

The brothers’ fear revealed unbelief.

They have experienced years living in Egypt with Joseph and their entire families. They have benefited from Joseph’s provision and generosity. Now that Jacob is gone, they assume he may retaliate against them. Theologian Warren Wiersbe shares that their fear is like believers who cannot rest in God’s forgiveness. They pray, or…“send a message” to God as though Christ’s cross was not enough. More than that, they will assume His provision is faulty and when God is clearly showing his provision they will continue to second guess God’s provision and ask if he’s sure.

Do you know what that does? That grieves your father in heaven. You see, doubt doesn’t only reveal weakness; it’s a form of unbelief that dishonors God’s sacrifice and grace.

Think of this…Parents, what if your child repeatedly asks you if you really love them and if they can really live in your house even after continual demonstrations that you love your child and will always provide for them. A child who keeps asking, “Daddy, are you sure you love me?” This is the posture of Joseph’s brothers toward Joseph right now…and sometimes…that is your posture towards God.

The reality is that Joseph’s brothers are no different from some professed Christians today who are constantly worrying about God’s judgment and whether or not He’s really forgiven them and made them His children

However, I love what happens next…

Joseph’s response re-centers everything on God’s sovereignty.

Joseph’s older brothers presented themselves as servants to Joseph, making themselves willing to do whatever Joseph would ask if he would only forgive them. Essentially they are offering to work their way to the point where Joseph could forgive them and accept them.

Now, real quick…if that’s your hope for forgiveness, you need to memorize

Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

In other words…you can’t work your way to forgiveness. You can’t serve your way into redemption—all you can do is receive God’s grace by faith.

I love what Joseph did though. You see, Joseph refused their offer because they are slaves to God, not to him and he will not take the place of God. Pay attention to this…Joseph did not minimize their sin. He called it out and said, “You meant evil.” That is the truth. But then he magnifies God’s greater plan, “God meant it for good.”

Now, there is something I want you to remember this morning, and if this stings a little bit then you need to reach out to me. Listen, the only way God forgives you is if you know you’re a sinner, you admit it and confess that you can’t do anything to merit or earn God’s forgiveness. Whether it’s the woman at the well, the tax collector in the tree, the thief on the cross, or the person sitting in this room, all sinners have to admit their guilt, remove their proud efforts to earn salvation, and throw themselves on the mercy of the Lord.

Joseph didn’t only reject their offer of servitude, but he assured them of his constant provision, including the little children of their tribes.

Right here Joseph teaches us that man is evil…but God’s goodness is greater still…promising to never leave us or forsake us.

God’s sovereignty is not just a comfort for past fears—it should fuel your faith for the future. That because what we see is that

God’s Purpose Extends Beyond Our Lifetime (Genesis 50:22–26)

Let’s finish up reading Genesis together…

Genesis 50:22–26 ESV

So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father’s house. Joseph lived 110 years. And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation. The children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were counted as Joseph’s own. And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” So Joseph died, being 110 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

These are Joseph’s last recorded words, spoken at the end of a remarkable life. Yet instead of looking back on his own success, Joseph looks forward to God’s promises. His eyes are fixed not on Egypt’s glory but on God’s faithfulness to bring His people home. You see…

Joseph’s faith looked forward.

At a time when they were living away from the land God promised them, Joseph shows what it means to have faith in God’s promises. His very bones are a testament to God’s faithfulness. When Joseph said, “God will visit you and bring you up out of this land”, he is showing his brothers, and all of the now nation of Israel that he believed in promises not yet seen. That he believed God provided in ways he didn’t understand. That in his mind, when God promises something…there is no settling.

Later in Hebrews 11, a chapter talking about faithful men of history, we see that Joseph is mentioned not for his rise to power…but for his instruction to take his bones to Canaan when God would lead the Exodus. This is the ultimate act of faith for Joseph. All of the things that Joseph saw and experienced—and the thing he is remembered for—is that he believed God in the things that he had not yet seen. This anticipates the New Testament truth that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).

Later in Hebrews 11, a chapter talking about faithful men of history, we see that Joseph is mentioned not for his rise to power…but for his instruction to take his bones to Canaan when God would lead the Exodus. This is the ultimate act of faith for Joseph…All of the things that Joseph saw and experienced, and the thing he is remembered for is that he believed God in the things that he had not yet seen. This anticipates the New Testament truth that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).

Can you say the same thing? You see, our faith is not measured in the size of our achievements but in the confidence of God’s promises.

Imagine if you were an Israelite living in Egypt 200 years later. You pass by Joseph’s home and his tomb, which archeologists have found by the way. There has been a discovery in a city called Avaris where there is an elite tomb of a semetic official. In other words, a Hebrew man who was high up in the Egyptian courts. That doesn’t happen without God making it happen.

Anyway, imagine you’re walking around town and you walk by Joseph’s statue and when you see it you are reminded…”This is not our home!”

You see…

God’s purposes transcend generations.

Over and over we see this. Joseph died, but God’s promises lived on. Our lives are part of a much larger story. The reality is folks that…If you’re a Christian, you live best when you remember your physical life is not the endpoints of God’s redemption…but the beginning. Frequently I talk to people and talk about planting some trees. The typical response is that when we plant trees, we are not planting them for ourselves…but for those who come after us. That is Joseph’s faith right there.

Joseph was 17 years old when he was taken to Egypt. He then lived in Egypt for 93 years, 51 of those years with his family close by. Notice at the end of Genesis. We see that Joseph is not placed in a tomb…but in a coffin, acknowledging the Israelites belief in Joseph’s testimony and their faith in the promises that haven’t seen.

From Jacob’s grave to Joseph’s coffin, there is one message that rings out loud: God is sovereign, faithful, and good.

Today…there are some here that are like Joseph’s brothers. You’re living under the weight of fear and doubt. You believe in Christ, but you have wondered if you are really forgiven, or if God really works things for good. You’re wondering if God’s promises are true or if they apply to you. You’re struggling with your day-to-day living and whether God is truly leading you in your life. Let me encourage you this morning: God’s promises are more certain than your circumstances. Live by faith, not by feelings.

I’m going to give you three truths to focus on this morning, and I’m going to tie them to Scriptures for you to memorize.

Walk by Faith—

2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV

for we walk by faith, not by sight.

2. Believe God’s Word—

Romans 10:17 ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

3. Rest in God’s Sovereign goodness—

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “When you cannot trace His hand, you can trust His heart.” That’s Joseph’s testimony—and hopefully yours…

Now listen, as we bring this journey through Joseph’s story to a close, it’s not enough for us to admire God’s sovereignty at a distance. Scripture always calls us to respond. So before we come to the Lord’s Table today, let me ask you a few questions—not just for reflection in this moment, but for examination of the heart. These are the kinds of questions Jacob, Joseph, and even Joseph’s brothers force us to ask. Then I’m going to have you write your answers on the commitment cards that are on your chair.

So here’s your opportunity to respond to the Lord this morning.

Am I trusting God’s promises in life and death?

Jacob wanted to be buried in Canaan because he trusted God’s covenant, His faith was being lived out in his death. Do you live as though God’s promises are more real than your present circumstances, whatever they are? I can tell you truthfully that this is a reality that I wrestled with earlier this week. What about you…

Am I living in fear or in faith?

Joseph’s brothers doubted his forgiveness. The question for you to consider is if you are living as though God is holding your sins against me, even though Christ has already taken them and paid for them at the cross?

Last question for you to respond to this morning.

Am I looking forward in hope?

You see, Joseph looked to the day God would bring Israel out of Egypt. So, do you have your hope fixed on Christ’s return, or are you too at home in Egypt—too comfortable where you are today…

Church family, these questions are not meant to stay on the page of Scripture or in the back of your mind—they are meant to press into your heart. Am I trusting God’s promises in life and in death? Am I living in fear, or in faith? Am I looking forward in hope, or am I clinging too tightly to Egypt?

This is a moment to respond. Not later. Not when things settle down. Not when you feel comfortable later. Today. Right now.

That’s why we’ve given you those cards. They’re not just pieces of paper—they’re opportunities for worship. Maybe today you need to write down a step of faith. Maybe you need to confess that you’ve been living in fear and not in trust. Maybe you need to put into words a prayer of commitment to walk by faith, not by feelings.

Whatever it is, let this be your offering to the Lord today. In the same way that Joseph’s coffin in Egypt testified, ‘God will keep His promises,’ your response today can be a testimony that you trust Him, too.

And as we prepare to come to the Table in a couple of minutes, remember: this is what communion is—it’s us declaring with bread and cup that we are clinging not to our strength, but to Christ alone, who turned the greatest evil into the greatest good for our salvation.

So, write. Respond. Worship. And let’s pray together as we prepare to meet our Savior at His table.

Now just like we have done before, we are going to just be silent for 2 minutes as we all take an opportunity to write our our commitment to the Lord this morning.

(2 minutes of silence)

Listen, Joseph told his brothers, ‘You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.’ At the cross, that truth reached its highest point. Wicked men crucified the Son of God—but through that very act, God accomplished the greatest good: our redemption.”

So today, as we come to the Lord’s Table, we remember that the bread and the cup testify that even the worst evil ever committed was turned by God into the greatest good ever given. And we proclaim together: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

Let’s pray

Father, we thank You that in Christ Jesus You have proven once and for all that what man means for evil, You mean for good. We thank You for the cross, where Your Son bore our sin, and for the empty tomb, where He secured our hope. Lord, take these commitments, these confessions, these prayers written on paper, and seal them in our hearts by Your Spirit. Help us to trust You in death, to rest in You in fear, and to hope in You for the future. Prepare us now to meet You at Your table with hearts of faith, gratitude, and obedience. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Now as you are ready come forward, drop your card in the baskets, take your communion elements and then return to your seats and worship the grace of God by eating and drinking. For those that are new, or are visiting. Communion here is open to all who have given their lives to the Lord in salvation. That is for kids and adults alike…however, this is not a snack to get us to lunch…this is a sacred time where we to commune with the Lord. So come forward, take one set of cups. The bread is in the bottom cup, and the juice is in the top cup.

Pavilion

Let’s all go outside for a moment.

Every since I have been here there has been conversation about a pavilion…that’s what we’re talking about today.

Let me begin with Isaiah 54:2: “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back.”

This was common practice when a family was growing that they would need to enlarge their tent, meaning to build on to the house.

So when we think about this pavilion, it’s not just about concrete and lumber. It’s about building a place where God can fill lives with His presence, His joy, and His community.

Every good home has a front porch. It’s where families gather. It’s where neighbors are welcomed. It’s where relationships are built. This pavilion will be our church’s front porch — a place where we welcome both our church family and our community to experience God’s love in fresh ways.

Imagine this with me. A summer evening, families sitting under the pavilion, sharing a meal together. Kids and teens are laughing, playing, and then…we’re all worshipping. Our church family lifting songs of praise under the open sky in spring and fall worship nights. The community using this space — graduation parties, outreach meals, prayer gatherings.

This will be more than a structure. It will be a tool for ministry, outreach, and fellowship — for us, for our children, for our neighbors, and for whoever God leads us to bless.

But here’s the truth: ministry tools don’t just appear. They come through the sacrifice and faith of God’s people. Next week, we’ll be handing out commitment cards. We’re asking everyone to not respond today, but to do something more important — go home and pray. Truly pray this week.

Pray about what God would have you give. Not just a one-time gift, but a step of obedience in first fruits giving — honoring Him with your tithe. And then, above that, ask if He would lead you to give toward this pavilion. I’m not asking for equal gifts, but I am asking for equal sacrifice. That’s because when we each do our part, God will provide.

Now, we’re looking to raise $50K for this pavilion. I know I know that is a HUGE amount of money… However, let me share with you what has already happened. We have already received in the bank around $13,500 + a pledge of around 7,500 + a matching gift pledge of another $10K (meaning dollar for dollar up to $10K). That means that we are looking to raise $50K, and we have already received or pledged up to $31,500…that’s how God is already working towards this project.

So let me leave you with this picture. Five years from now, standing under this pavilion, watching kids grow, families connect, and neighbors being welcomed into the family — and being able to say, “I was part of building the front porch of God’s house in this community.”

Let’s go home this week, let’s pray, and let’s come ready next week to commit as the Lord leads. We will also be scheduling some time to come up and pray around the space that God is leading us to. Now, I’m going to lead us in a short prayer, and I’ve asked Bryan Dyck to also pray for us this morning to close us out…

Let’s pray

Father, we thank You for the vision You’ve given us, not just for a building, but for a place where lives will be touched and Your name will be lifted high.

Lord we ask that this pavilion will truly become the front porch of Your house — a place of welcome, fellowship, worship, and community.

Lord, would You guide each of us this week as we pray about how to respond. Help us to listen to Your Spirit and to give because we have to, but that we desire to give out of joyful obedience to you.

We trust that as we each do our part, You will provide all that is needed. And when this work is finished, may every person who steps under that pavilion encounter Your presence and Your love.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen