“You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good”

Ch. 6 #3 Joseph's brothers committed a terrible sin when they intended to leave Joseph for dead and then sold him into slavery in Egypt. God, however, used the situation to let Joseph assume a place of power in Egypt and eventually save his whole family from starvation. How does this relate to the story of Noah? How does this story relate to the suffering and death of Jesus Christ?

We can see through the stories of Joseph, the Flood, and Jesus, God can implement His plan through a ‘moral evil’ caused by a part of His creation. Not that the evil becomes good, but God uses an event to show that His good plan will triumph over any evil. He shows us that His goodness can come from the consequences of any evil in this world.

There are many similarities between the story of Joseph and his brothers and the story of Noah and the flood. When God sent the flood, like in the story of Joseph, God makes something bad happen so the outcome can have a positive effect. The idea of God sending a flood to cover the whole world is terrifying. God used this event to reclaim the world. To wash out the evil and to save the world for the good people, like Noah. Something bad had to happen in order for the will of God to take place.

This story can also be related to the death and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God used the horrific crucifixion to bring His people to salvation. All of our sins caused the brutal death of Jesus. So in spite of the evil which took place on Calvary, God took it and made it into something wonderful.

So through all the hardships, temptations, and failings in life we should persevere and trust in God as we see Joseph, Noah, and Jesus do. God puts us through these trials and tests so He can show His wonder in our lives. The reward from suffering and persevering through what God’s will is for us is great.