Tuesday December 6, 2022

Today is Tuesday, December 6 and this week continues our journey through the Advent season as we reflect on Jesus bringing good from evil.

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. Genesis 50:19-20

Why are we spending so much time in Genesis these first two weeks of Advent? Jesus, whose birth we celebrate in this season, is a branch from a family line and faith heritage that has roots in the earliest recorded human history. Today we consider Joseph– another key figure in the rich faith history of Jesus. We read his arresting words in Genesis 50 as he says to his betraying brothers: “you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” His path, however perilous, led him to a place where he could save his people and the Egyptians during widespread famine.

Joseph’s story draws our minds to the perilous journey of Jesus. He suffered unimaginable pain and harm. The name Jesus itself (“the Lord is salvation” or “the Lord saves”) drives his mission. His life led him to the place where he could intervene and save his people.

Consider these words of John 10: “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” In the face of evil, Jesus intervenes. You and I are living testimony of this work. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God “works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This is the promise of Advent: Jesus has intervened and is working all things for the good of those who love him.

Ask
Is there a hard story or time in your life that Jesus has turned for good? How has it shaped you and your testimony of God’s faithfulness? Like Joseph, how has God used that story to impact others for the sake of the Kingdom? How might God be calling you to share that testimony this Advent season?

God, thank you that you intervened for me. Thank you for redeeming and reconciling my difficult seasons. Would you use my difficult seasons for my good, the good of others, and your glory? I want to join you in the building of your kingdom and the ministry of reconciliation. To this end I pray in Jesus name, amen.

Listen and sing along with us to songs that will shape our Advent season. Today we will sing “When My Heart is Torn Asunder” which you can find here. Subscribe to our Spotify playlist featuring all of our Songs for the Season here.

First 15 through the season of Advent is adapted from Roots: Advent and the Family Story of Jesus available through Seedbed. If you or your small group are interested in using this resource for your Advent study, you can find more information here or send an email to discipleship@fmcm.org.