by Jordy van Gaalen

God’s Redemption

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“But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”
Genesis 50:19-21 NIV

As much as we don’t want to admit it, we don’t often have the purest intentions. Our selfishness, our pride, our vanity. There is error in all we do. We stain even the best of our “good deeds.” 

God takes our sin, our destruction, our evil. God takes our filth and mess. God takes our mistakes and ill actions. And he turns it into good. There is nothing so far gone that God cannot bring healing. There is nothing beyond God’s transforming powers.

God USES the mess, the evil, the destruction – and turns it into something good. It is the power of redemption. This is the greatness of God. Nothing is beyond His reach. Rather than eliminating anything bad from ever happening, he molds and forms and resurrects. He allows us to make our decisions and go our wayward ways. But then he brings glory and redemption, healing and life back into the picture.

Joseph’s brothers mocked him, plotted to kill him, took his possessions and left him for dead, and then sold him into slavery. But Joseph, years later, saves those same brothers from starvation. Joseph was abandoned by his family, and yet not only came to save them, but an entire nation.  

God can turn even the most seemingly hopeless situations and grow incredible blessings from the remaining ash. He uses redemption and grace and forgiveness, things that this world alone can never offer. God alone can turn intentions meant for evil into something good. Therefore, do not be afraid.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado