In his book, “Winning the War in Your Mind,” bestselling Christian author Craig Groeschel says, “A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true.”
Few people would live out this profound truth more personally in the Old Testament than Jacob.
For over two decades, Jacob had believed the lie that his sons had told him. That fateful day when they returned home from the field and showed Jacob the bloodstained robe that Jospeh had been wearing… it was surely a day that he would relive thousands of times in the coming years. After all, it was his idea to send Joseph to look after his brothers to make sure they were doing what he had told them.
So many unanswered questions surely haunted him. How did this happen? Was his death quick, or was it slow and agonizing? What might’ve been his final thoughts as some wild beast was tearing the flesh from his bones? And then would come the thoughts of what might’ve been. What kind of husband and father would he have been? Might he have been a farmer? A tradesman? Would he still have those crazy dreams and tell us all about them over dinner? How many grandchildren might he have given me?
When he had heard that Joseph died, a huge part of Jacob died with him.
A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true.
The only thing greater than Jacob’s sorrow was the indifference from Joseph’s brothers (with exception perhaps of Reuben). The wickedness of what they did cannot possibly be overlooked. They may not have killed him, but that they sold him into slavery for 20 shekels of silver left nothing to be said about how much they hated him.
But a lot can happen in 22 years. Things like slavery, prison, and even childhood dreams coming true. If we were around back in Joseph’s day and asked him, “Hey… so let me ask you – all of the stuff you went through – was it worth it?” I’m pretty sure Joseph wouldn’t have any regrets. But something else can happen during that time. Like moving on and letting go of resentment.
“Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” – Gen. 45: 3-6
I don’t know about you, but there’s a pretty good chance that I’m never speaking to my brothers again if that ever had happened to me. But Joseph clearly saw God’s providential plan at work. He realized everything that had occurred in his life, God had worked out for the greater good of millions of people.
Joseph was a foreshadowing of the Christ to come.
- Both were betrayed by close associates.
- Both were falsely accused of committing a crime.
- Both endured suffering and rejection.
- Both would be exalted after being humiliated; Joseph would assume a position of power and authority in Egypt, and after Jesus’ resurrection he would be exalted to the right hand of the Father in Heaven.
- Redemption and Forgiveness: Joseph would be redeemed by saving his family during the famine and forgiving his brothers, and Jesus offers redemption and forgiveness through his death on the cross.
- Both saved lives; because of Joseph, Egypt endured the famine; Jesus offers eternal life and salvation to those who believe in him.
- Both fulfilled God’s plan; Joseph acknowledged that God had a purpose for sending him to Egypt, and Jesus came to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for humanity.
Questions Worth Considering
1 Think about a time when you’ve experienced God’s redemption in your life. How did He turn a challenging situation into an opportunity for growth or blessing?
2 Consider the relationships in your life. Is there someone you need to forgive or extend grace to? Reflect on Joseph’s example of forgiveness and prayerfully take a step toward reconciliation and healing in your relationships.
3 Joseph’s journey involved years of waiting and uncertainty. Are there areas in your life where you’re struggling with impatience or questioning God’s timing? Surrender those concerns to Him, trusting that His timing is perfect and that He is working behind the scenes for your ultimate good.
Former Blackout Artist 