Two years after Noah died Abraham was born, which was about 400 years after the devastating flood. (Yes, Noah lived a long time!) The world’s population was still relatively small and the nation of Israel did not exist. When Abraham was seventy-five years old, God chose him out of all the people in the world to become the father of a family through whom the entire world would be blessed. Through one of Abraham’s descendants God would one day make it possible for man to walk with God, forever.
The promise was passed on to Abraham’s son, Isaac. And then to Isaac’s son, Jacob, who eventually became known as Israel. Jacob had twelve sons. Judah was the son the promise was passed on to, but Joseph was the one who was at the center of the next phase of God’s redemptive plan for His chosen people, and for the world.
Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was envied by his brothers. That jealousy led to incredible trials for Joseph as he was sold into slavery in Egypt. Though everything seemed to be going against him, God ultimately brought Joseph to a place of prominence and power in Egypt. And in God’s perfect timing and plan, He used Joseph to save this chosen family that He had promised to use to bless the world.
There are many times in our lives when we don’t understand what God’s doing. When things are happening that are painful or confusing. If you are in a place like that right now, I hope the story of Joseph will be an encouragement to you. Though horrible things happened to Joseph – things that were totally out of his control – God was still in control. God was still at work bringing about His plans for a future and hope.
Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.