18 1 / 2011
Meant, Not Used!
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good,
Genesis 50:20a
After Jacob (Israel) passed away, Joseph’s brothers were afraid that Joseph might take revenge on them for all the evil that they did to him when he was a kid. In this verse, Joseph is reassuring his brothers that he no longer has any ill feelings towards them. He is able to say this, because he recognized that those evil acts were simply a part of God’s ultimate plan for good. For those of us who adhere to the reformed understanding of the sovereignty of God, this verse/story should be one that is deep within our hearts. For those who, perhaps, overlooked this passage, may the word of God help us recognize the hope and joy that is found in the sovereignty of God!
The title of this post may sound kind of peculiar, but it was very intentional. In the verse above, you will recognize that the word “meant” is used twice. As dumb as this observation may sound, let me explain why it is so important. If we substitute the second “meant” with “used” the sentence becomes “God used it for good.” The difference between this new sentence and the original is HUGE! If God meant to do something, then that would imply that whatever that something is, it was previously planned. If God used something, then that would imply that something had already occurred, and afterward God manipulated that circumstance. Even with this explanation, the difference may not be as clear as I make it to be, so let me be less exegetical and more direct.
God is always in absolute control of everything. Our God does not make mistakes, nor does he do anything without purpose. If we are going through a hard or difficult time in our lives. Whether it be financial hardships, relational issues, or health problems. Whatever circumstances we may be going through, trust that God is in control and that there is a purpose for everything we may be enduring. Trusting in God is not about silver linings or hopeful thinking. It is about placing our faith in a sovereign God. Joseph was thrown into a pit, sold as a slave, falsely accused of adultery, and even thrown into jail. In all of this, Joseph knew that God was in control at all times and that none of these events happened on accident. Likewise, God always has the best in store for us. Sure, God could have used the circumstances in our lives for good, but our God is greater and better than that. Our God meant it for good, ever since the beginning.
