When You Disagree with God. Part [4] 06/21/2024 (Morning thought)

Psalms 75: 5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. 6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: He puts down one, and sets up another.

[P&P pp 220] It was humiliating to Pharaoh to turn away from the magicians and wise men of his kingdom to consult an alien and a slave, but he was ready to accept the lowliest service if his troubled mind might find relief. Joseph was immediately sent for; he put off his prison attire, and shaved himself, for his hair had grown long during the period of his disgrace and confinement. He was then conducted to the presence of the king.

Sometimes, God, in His wisdom has to cut some of us down to size, before promoting us, lest we too become exalted above measure, and end up taking to ourselves, the glory, and the credit that is due to God alone. Our achievements often go to our heads, and before you know it, God is often left out of the picture, and we often give glory to institutions of higher learning,  rather than to God.

2nd Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

2nd Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

When You Disagree with God. Part [3] 06/21/2024 (Evening thought)

Psalms 105:21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance. 22 To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.

Now, let us back up a bit and take the same purpose and end result to Joseph’s parents. The end result is that Joseph must end up being the second highest in the land of Egypt and he must do so without ever tarnishing his character. Joseph must also become familiar with politicians and the justice system that governed Egypt. What therefore do you think will be a right, sensible way of achieving that goal, as per the finite, human perspective?

Remember, our very first passage tells us that God does not think like we do! His parents would most likely send Joseph to Harvard or one of those Ivy league schools of the day. They would make certain he was well dressed, with that coat of many bright colors, and they would make sure that he was sufficiently financed, as he could call upon them at any time to pay for study material, meals, and anything that he would need along the way.

Now, let’s look at God’s providences, in causing him to reach the same goal. God permits Joseph to leave his parents’ home with only one shirt on his back. In his pockets there is not a single dime, nor any credit card, that he could use as backup. He permits slavery, jail time, orange jump suits, and attempted rape, and dreadlocks, for the Scripture says Joseph’s hair grew so long in jail, that he had to shave, before going into pharaoh for his interview. It is most likely that Joseph’s parents would not agree with God’s plan for their beloved son.

Genesis 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!