SENT, NOT SOLD

“He sent a man before them—Joseph—who was sold as a slave.” ~ Psalm 105:17

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How different would our attitude to life’s misfortunes be if we saw them through the eyes of God? We would see that things are not as they seem. In the most turbulent seasons of our lives, God is ever present, working a bigger purpose and setting the stage for a testimony of His goodness. The events in your life happening around you now are not happening by chance; God knows.

From man’s eyes, Joseph went through an excruciating experience of betrayal; his blood brothers conspired to kill him but later changed their minds and sold him into slavery in Egypt. The one who dreamt of greatness became a slave; the one before whom the celestial bodies bowed became another man’s property, and he who was to be the head became the tail.

However, the psalmist here gives us God’s perspective on the whole Joseph saga; Joseph was sent to Egypt, not sold as a slave there. It did not look like it, but he was on a mission to serve a divine end – preserving the nation of Israel and, by extension, the Messiah. If Joseph hadn’t gone to Egypt, Israel might have perished in the global famine, being a young nation of just about 70. They would have become extinct, and the hope of a Messiah would have failed.

God often permits trouble to propel a man into his ultimate mission in life. In His omniscience, God knew what Joseph would achieve despite the trials; hence, he was sent, not sold. Esther was not abducted into the king’s harem; she was sent for the deliverance of the Jews. The same is true about Jesus; it may appear that Judas sold Him to evil men to be killed, but no, Jesus was sent to die for the sins of humanity. The crown of thorns was a precursor to His crown of glory.

This Easter, be reminded that God always has a purpose in trouble. Those troubling you may think they are sabotaging you, but remember that there is an ‘overarching hand’ behind the acts of men that uses their schemes to launch you into your calling. If the princes of this world knew, they would not have crucified Jesus; that decision to ‘kill’ Him brought Him the highest glory, power, honor, and praise. No matter how things are for you now, remember you are sent, not sold.

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