Be not Grieved nor Angry.
Gen 45:5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life..
What great words of comfort. Do not be sad, angry or troubled. mMany are angry with God and with themselves at how their lives had turned out. Was it really their fault that they had to fight forces that overcame them even from early years…where was Jesus when temptations seem to rage and lead them into wickedness … Why did we have to suffer so much losses? There are so many things that cause us much sorrowing, grief, anger and confusion. We have been overcome by bondage, sin and the terror of darkness. Jesus does not condemn anyone. His words to His own are comforting. I died and suffered for those things you did wrong – your sins – so that you will one day come higher to me. God already sent Jesus ahead to preserve our lives in a wicked world already sold to sin and destruction.
Joseph does not condemn his brothers. He reminds them instead that God has already gone ahead to preserve their lives. Judah’s family must be preserved for the coming Savior – the Lion of Judah – Jesus was to be born through the lineage of Judah. Joseph must be raised up for God’s divine purpose to prosper.
The Bible says all things work together for the good of the righteous, the chosen that love God. All things and not some. Even the things that should make you angry are working for your good. The things that should make you grieve in sorrow are working for your good. Your mistakes are also working for your good – bad as they are. Do not try and apportion blame to any and be angry with your pastor or leader or wife or whoever it seems is at fault….are we not all faulty in one way. Instead simply thank God that He is working His great work through your life even though you do not yet see all the pieces falling as you expect.
Joseph says all the brothers did to him was simply be an instrument of God. This is rather deep. Joseph says God sent him …when did God call Joseph? I do not recall any commissioning. But in all the cruel dealings and submission to the ill treatment and accusations and imprisonment and being forgotten, Joseph was being sent ahead to preserve life. There is a purpose to the victory ahead .. to serve the purpose of God. God has apprehended your life for a reason. Soon it will be clear to you. Be not grieved nor angry.
Song.
Art thou weary, art thou languid,
Art thou sore distressed?
“Come to Me,” saith One, “and coming,
Be at rest.”
Hath He marks to lead me to Him,
If He be my Guide?
In His feet and hands are wound prints
And His side.
Hath He diadem, as monarch,
That His brow adorns?
Yes, a crown in very surety,
But of thorns.
If I find Him, if I follow,
What His guerdon here?
Many a sorrow, many a labor,
Many a tear.
If I still hold closely to Him,
What hath He at last?
Sorrow vanquished, labor ended,
Jordan passed.
If I ask Him to receive me,
Will He say me nay?
Not till earth and not till Heaven
Pass away.
Finding, following, keeping, struggling
Is He sure to bless?
Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs,
Answer, Yes!
Prayer: Lord, Be glorified in my thoughts …put an end to grief and anger. Amen
The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa
