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Reflection
on Genesis 50:15–23
God’s will is often fulfilled in strange ways. Joseph’s dreams
as a teenager indicated that he would rule over his brothers. Little could he
have imagined that the road to his destiny would include their trying to kill
him and then selling him into slavery, his spending time in prison, and
eventually his rule in the nation of Egypt. Those experiences built into Joseph
the character qualities and the wisdom he needed for his calling. God works the
same way preparing us for our calling. He uses our circumstances and
experiences to shape us into the person he wants us to be.
OVERCOMING
THE EVIL ONE
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has
been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are
strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one
First John 2:12-14 describes three levels of Christian growth
in relation to sin. The first level is compared to "little children"
(verse 12). Little children in the faith are characterized by having their sins
forgiven and possessing a knowledge of God. In other words, they are in the
family of God and have overcome the penalty of sin, but they haven't grown to
full maturity.
The second level is "young men" (verses 13, 14),
those who have overcome the evil one. These are aggressively growing believers
who are strong because the Word of God abides in them. They know the truth and
how to use it to resist Satan in the battle for their minds. They are no longer
in bondage to uncontrollable habits, and they have resolved the personal and
spiritual conflicts which keep many Christians from experiencing freedom in
Christ. They are free, and they know how to stay free.
The third level is "fathers" (verses 13, 14), those
who have developed a deep personal knowledge of God. Their faith is securely
founded on a close, intimate, loving relationship with God which is the goal of
our spiritual growth. What about your faith? Are you a "child," a
"young man" or a "father"? Is it your daily goal to grow to
maturity in your faith? Have you overcome the evil one?
Having challenged us to combat sin's power in our lives
through a commitment to growth, John goes on to describe the avenues through
which Satan tempts us: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the
boastful pride of life. We will consider these avenues over the next few days.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please shake me good if I become stagnant , stale or static in
my spiritual growth. I want to grow into Your image of me.
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