The other day, I was immersed in the story of Joseph and his encounter with his hateful brothers. The part that caught my attention was how his brother Reuben planned to get Joseph out of the pit and return him to his father. God, however, didn’t allow Reuben to do it, for by the time he came back to the pit, the other brothers had already sold Joseph – which caused them to then formulate the humungous lie of showing their father Joseph’s bloody coat. Jacob made the false assumption Joseph had been killed by an animal.
Then my mind fell on Pilate. He’d told the Jews he couldn’t find any fault at all in Jesus. But because they had a custom to release a prisoner at the Passover, he asked them if they wanted him to release Jesus to them. They said no, Barabbas was the one they wanted. Pilate then had a conversation with Jesus and, once again, tried to release him. The Jews reminded him if he did so, he wouldn’t be considered a friend of Caesar’s. He didn’t want that distinction. Jesus was crucified.
Consider Daniel. He was headed to the lion’s den because he prayed three times a day after a law was passed not to petition anyone except the king for 30 days. The law didn’t change Daniel’s prayer times. King Darius tried to find a way to free Daniel, but there wasn’t a way out. The law was the law, and Daniel’s enemies were thrilled with what they thought was his imminent death.
Look at Jonah. His shipmates fought hard against an unforgiving storm, but Jonah knew the storm occurred because of his disobedience. He told them to throw him overboard. Initially, they refused and rowed harder to get him to shore. Try as they might, they couldn’t do it. They had to toss him in the raging sea.
Remember Joseph, who found himself in prison and was behind a lie. While there, he’d accurately interpreted the butler and baker’s dreams. The baker would be killed, and the butler would get his old job back with Pharoah. Joseph tried to get himself out of prison by asking the butler to put in a good word on his behalf. The butler agreed, but God caused the butler to forget his promise for two years.
God’s purpose was intertwined in each of these situations. Even though efforts were made to redirect them, it would not be the case for any of them. Each situation continued as God deemed it. He chose to work through the failures. This blesses my heart tonight because it is a reminder that people can’t override God’s purposes, good intentions, and all. Sometimes, we’re trying to stand in the way of what God has set to do. Nothing and no one can step in and redirect God’s way.
As difficult as circumstances may appear, there is a God-designed purpose for the treacherous road He places us on. He’s not confused or “playing it by ear.” He is in full control of everything, and His ways and thoughts truly are higher than ours. Who would have thought that God would work through each of those situations? People thought each situation was the end, when in fact, it was far from the truth! God’s purposes always prevail.
38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. John 18:38-40 (KJV)
9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. John 19:9-13 (KJV)
14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. Daniel 6:14-17 (KJV)
11 Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.14 Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, and said, We beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee.15 So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. Jonah 1: 11-15 (KJV)
20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand:22 But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. Genesis 40:20-23 (KJV)
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)