Scripture
Genesis 37:26-27
26 Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him.
Observation
What a twisted tale! Joseph seems to have been an irritating younger brother, but his older siblings took things way too far. Not content to merely put him in his place, they decided that death was a better objective. Judah (whose name means ‘praise’) decided that might be going a bit far…and talked them into selling Joseph into slavery instead. These aren’t just random people making these decisions–these are the patriarchs! These are the sons of Jacob, the heads of the tribes of Israel! God had a plan which could not be impeded…but he accomplished his plan through broken, evil, sinful people. The fact that God used them wasn’t a stamp of approval on them, it was simply evidence of His sovereignty in a broken and messed-up world.
Application
I look at the world around me today: Humanity is broken, selfish and sinful leaders are abusing those under their care, and way too many leaders in the Kingdom are giving in to their fallen instincts and desires.
Where is God in all this? Does He not see the problems and the issues? Where are those who truly honor Him?
Reading through Genesis, I’m reminded again just how wicked and sinful these men truly were. How could God have used them?! Why would He allow someone like Judah to be the head of a tribe of Israel, or the ancestor of Jesus Christ?
God used them–not because they were perfect, but because God is merciful and sovereign. God worked through them–not because He approved of what they did, but because the story that God is telling is a story of mercy, grace, and redemption.
Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised when leaders today fail. It’s not excusable…but it is expected. Christ didn’t come to this earth to tell us what a great job we’re doing–He came to save us from our brokenness!
When those that I respect display their humanity and even their sinful nature, I choose to not let it shake me, or shake my faith in God. God is still good, and still holy. He is unchanging and unfailing–and in the sinful brokenness of this world, He is still drawing mankind to Himself.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder that broken people do not change who you are. You are righteous, holy, and true–and you are unchangeable! Help me not to base my faith or my confidence on imperfect people, but rather on your perfect love.
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