Pastor's Midweek Message
Midweek Message w/o May 12, 2024
In the Old Testament, Joseph’s father, Israel, had four wives. Among them all, he loved Joseph’s mother, Rachel, more than the others. The Bible also tells us that “Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because Joseph had been born in his old age” and that “Israel made Joseph a coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3). Joseph’s brothers clearly knew their father favored Joseph over them. They hated Joseph so much that they “could not speak a kind word to him” (Genesis 37:4). When they saw Joseph coming towards them, they even said, “let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him” (Genesis 37:20). Seriously? Joseph may have been loved by his father, but was truly hated by his own brothers. Many of you already know the story. Joseph was sold to the Egyptian master, Potiphar (Genesis 39). The Bible tells us multiple times that “The LORD Was with Joseph so that he prospered” (Genesis 39:2). “The LORD Was with Joseph and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did” (Genesis 39:3). Yet, Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and was thrown into a prison even though he was innocent. How can this be if Joseph is living in the favor of the LORD?
We must remember that God does not change even though our situations change. The Bible tells us, “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD Was with him; the LORD showed Joseph kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden” (Genesis 39:20-21). Even in prison, Joseph was in charge of everything. “Because the LORD Was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did” (Genesis 39:23). The important thing is not for everything to work out the way you want, but the LORD Is with you and you are with the LORD. Even though God remained silent through it all, Joseph continues to be faithful to God. While in prison, Joseph interpreted two different dreams of two different people. His interpretations of both dreams came true. Joseph asked the one who benefited from this, “But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness” (Genesis 40:14). However, he “did not remember Joseph; he forgot Joseph '' (Genesis 40:23). And “two full years had passed” (Genesis 41:1). The man who received help from Joseph had forgotten all about Joseph. People will do that to you. It is hard to count on people to come through as they promise. Praise the LORD that our God Is always trustworthy and faithful to what God has promised. Even when people fail to remember you, our God remembers you. God used the Pharaoh to cause the man to remember Joseph. God said, “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15). God also said, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before ME” (Isaiah 49:16). Your focus needs to shift from what you think, how you feel, what others say, or what is happening around you and be fixed on our God and what God has promised us through God’s Word. Even while Joseph’s situation continued to get worse, Joseph did not allow himself to be controlled by what was happening to him. He continued to remain faithful to God even though God Was silent. Joseph’s faith and his confidence always came from his God.
We are living in a very challenging time. Christians are under attack and are being tested every day. Many discouraging things are happening continually. However, do not take your eyes away from our God and from God’s Word. Only God has the power to deliver you from all trials and tribulations. God has created you to be victorious. It matters little what is happening around you or what others are doing. Your personal relationship with God is the most important thing. God Is the only One Who has the power to make all things right and make you come out victorious. Hang in there with the LORD and continue to walk in God’s Word. Hold onto God’s promises. You will experience God’s Mighty Power working in and through your life. Praise the LORD! Amen.
Pastor Hae Rin