In Scripture, we see how God can turn what was meant for evil into good. As we look at the evil that seems to permeate our culture, we can begin to doubt God. Has this evil taken God off guard? No. We must trust that He is at work against evil. During this Lenten season, we consider Jesus’ suffering and death and how He won our salvation. As we watch the happenings of Holy Week unfold, we see God’s plan for our salvation unfold. He did not stop the evil but grabbed it and used it to move His plan forward.
Old Testament Example
The story of Joseph in the Old Testament inspired our Lenten series. He received much evil from others. His jealous brothers sold him as a slave. In Egypt, his master’s wife falsely accused him of rape which landed him in prison. Even there, he was forgotten until he interpreted a dream for Pharaoh. These struggles prepared him to lead Egypt and oversee a grain storage program that would ultimately save his family. What had been meant for evil against Joseph, God turned for good.
The brothers realized what they had done to Joseph was vile and evil. Joseph was in a position to punish them, and they were afraid he would take revenge on them. But God had been with Joseph in every part of his faith journey. He could see God’s redemptive hand on it all and gave the brothers a profound reply.
Genesis 50:19 But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. [1]
Jesus is a Greater Rescue
While Joseph saved his family, Jesus came to save all humanity. Jesus was prepared for all the evil thrown at Him. One of His own disciples, Judas, betrayed Him. The Jewish leadership lied and manipulated to condemn Him. The Roman officials failed to uphold justice as they caved to pressure from the crowds. Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times. The rest of the disciples deserted Him.
Satan, the evil one, thought he had defeated the Son of God by killing Him on a cross. He had no idea that God would take this evil act and turn it for His victory and our salvation with Jesus’ resurrection.
The noise of mockers and scoffers against Jesus in our world can sound loud. At times, it feels like evil wants to rise up and deafen us. That’s when we need to listen to the voice of faith. Even now, God can turn what was meant for evil into good for us.
1 Peter 5:4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.[2] To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/counted-among-rebels
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.