Keep Your Heart Pure

Keep your Heart Pure. Your reaction matters.

Today, I am thinking about Joseph.  At the age of 17, he was separated from his family.  It was not because of war.  His brothers’ jealousy motivated them to do a most unrighteous act.  It was the fuel and the motivation that led them to not only sell him into slavery but also to fake his death.  The beautiful coat of many colors gifted to him by his father Jacob was dipped in animal blood and presented to his father.  No doubt, Joseph was his favorite son.  There were a couple of parents in the Old Testament who had a favorite child.  This is never advisable, but it sometimes happens in families.  Imagine the heartbreak and the devastation.

It’s difficult to fathom that envy alone could drive family members to commit such a heinous act against one of their own. However, as the Bible states, “Jealousy is as cruel as the grave.” (Song of Solomon 8:6). This could have easily made Joseph feel bitter and resentful towards his brothers. Still, he did not succumb to these negative emotions. Instead, God used this nightmare scenario to fulfill His purpose of preserving His remnant, Israel.

Many people refer to Israel as God’s remnant. This belief suggests that the faithful remnant of Israel will survive the calamities that result from departing from the ways of God, ensuring the future of Israel. The prophets predicted the exile and destruction of Israel but also held out hope for its survival and eternal existence.

The Bible does not mention the difficult moments Joseph faced when he was separated from his family. Although it doesn’t say he cried, it is reasonable to assume there were moments of loneliness and tears. Joseph likely pondered why his brothers did such a terrible thing, and he certainly missed his father and beloved brother, Benjamin. Despite the rejection, pain, and loss, Joseph found the strength to press forward. According to Genesis 39:2, “The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian Master.” God did not abandon Joseph in Israel, and Joseph later acknowledged, “I am in the place of God.” If you are in the place where God has put you in life, you will experience prosperity. Joseph’s leadership position was a result of God’s presence with him.

One of the critical life lessons we learn here is that the circumstances of where we are do not matter when we reside in his will.  God can move the chess pieces on the board of our lives to accomplish his will, purpose, and plan.   We sometimes have a picture in our minds of how things should go, but God’s plan is so different.  In the Bible, God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “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)

Then remember what God said to the Prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament, ” For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”  (Jeremiah 29:11-12) The King James Version says, “an expected end.”  God was with Joseph every step of the way to help them reach the expected end.   God gave Joseph a preview of his future through his dreams as a child.  Maybe that is what Joseph held on to during those lonely, isolated moments, his visions from God and a promise.  One of my favorite sayings is, “God is faithful to perform.” God will do everything that He has promised on His schedule. 

Joseph was a loyal servant who quickly rose to the position of household manager for Potiphar after becoming a slave in Egypt. Despite Potiphar’s wife making unwanted advances toward him, Joseph never gave in and remained faithful to God. In retaliation, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of rape. However, Joseph stood by his principles and refused to engage in inappropriate behavior with her.  Her lies would ultimately land him in prison.

Despite being imprisoned for 13 years, Joseph held onto his faith in God. God gave him the ability to interpret dreams. As a result, he could interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and eventually ascend to a position of great power in Egypt, one of the most prominent world powers of that time.

Joseph became the ruler of Egypt and enjoyed seven years of prosperity. Using his wisdom, he prepared for the upcoming seven years of famine that God warned him about through Pharaoh’s dream. 

Meanwhile, back home, Jacob’s (Joseph’s father) family was enduring a horrible famine; he sent ten sons to Egypt for help. These sons knew the truth about Joseph, and after 20 years, their conscience began to weigh on them. Maybe, they wondered what would happen if they ran into the slave boy they had betrayed. Little did they know what fate had in store for them.   They would come face-to-face with their brother.  Someone said our past has a way of finding us.   They would be confronted with the wrongs of their past. 

Did Joseph’s brothers remember his dreams?  His dreams were coming true. God keeps His promises.  They arrived in Egypt and unknowingly bowed down to their younger brother. (Genesis 42:6)

Let’s skip ahead to the end of the story, where Joseph finally reveals his identity to his brothers. It’s possible that when Joseph accused his brothers of being spies and imprisoned them for three days, he was trying to teach them a lesson. Although Joseph was hurt by their actions, he didn’t hold a grudge.   Joseph was no longer bitter or angry at this moment in the story.   

If it were many of us in his place, we might have chosen to let our family members starve. Yet Joseph decided to bring his entire family to Goshen and provide for them. He recognized that his pain had a purpose and spoke to his brothers about how it was all part of God’s plan.

Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” He comforted them and spoke to them with kindness. (Genesis 50:19)

I love it when Joseph says I am in the place of God. In modern terms, it is like saying, “I am good. I am exactly where God wants me.” Joseph’s pain was not for himself. God was using him to preserve His remnant, Israel, from extinction.

I recently listened to a message online; Bishop SY Younger said, “Keep your heart pure… Keep your heart pure. Because those who are trying to destroy you today, if you keep your heart pure, God will be able to trust you to feed them tomorrow. Because someone who has a heart after God does not want to see their enemies punished, they want to see them converted.”

My PRAYER

Dear Lord, my prayer is similar to David’s prayer in Psalm 51:10. I ask that you give me a pure heart. Please help me respond to people and situations in life the way you would want me to. I never want to forget that I am a recipient of your divine grace, love, and favor; therefore, I must extend the same love and grace to others on this life journey. It’s not always easy to love our enemies, especially when our hearts ache to understand the why. But, Lord, I trust you. You know the why. You are the Righteous One. Help me reach a place where I do not seek revenge but pray for conversion, healing, and restoration. I must remember that the person fighting against me is not my enemy, and forces are working behind the scenes. You are using this situation to bring me to a place where I can say, “I am good. I am in the place of God.” Just like how Judas unknowingly helped advance your kingdom agenda, our haters are unknowingly helping to grow your kingdom’s purposes in our lives, making us stronger in you. I thank you for everything that may not seem to be working out for my good, as I know you are orchestrating your perfect will for my life behind the scenes.

The way we react matters.