The original story of Joseph is found at the end of the Old Testament book Genesis. This is the final story of the book, which smoothly transitions into Exodus. The story of Joseph is the bridge that connects the three original patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob of Genesis—to Moses and the Israelites being delivered out of slavery.
Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, but God was with Joseph. Everywhere Joseph ended up, he had favor. God used this favor to eventually provide for His set-apart people. The same brothers that sold Joseph into slavery eventually came to Joseph for help. It is a beautiful story of redemption and provision. At the end, Joseph says this to his brothers—
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 NIV
What is so interesting is that the same thing happens in the life of Stephen. The people who accused him and brought him before the Jewish leaders—and those leaders who stoned him—all intended Stephen harm. Yet while his life ended on this side of heaven, they could never cause him lasting harm. He went to be with God, whole and healed. Not only that, but the movement of Christ on earth was glorified and spread even further because of Stephen’s faithfulness. What they intended for evil, God intended for good.
My challenge today is to place our eyes on the kingdom perspective. Is there a situation that seems futile, but when you step back you see that God is actually at work? Are there things you have been praying for that seem like they will never happen—maybe a relationship that seems like it is a burnt bridge? Can we have the eyes of Joseph, of Stephen, of Jesus and see past our worldly vantage point to see with a kingdom vantage point?