In recent weeks I have been teaching a class based on Hal Seed and Dan Grider’s fascinating book, The God Questions. The authors offer thought-provoking answers to tough spiritual questions. Perhaps the thorniest question of all is, how can a good God allow so much bad in his world?
Many Bible characters experienced this very question. My favorite character, Joseph, illustrates the practical answer to this dilemma. His story is found in Genesis 37-50.
Joseph was an arrogant younger brother who loved to tattle and pester his older brothers, but he was his father’s favorite and this favoritism made his older brothers jealous.
People may deal with sibling rivalry in very different ways, but Joseph’s brothers reacted in the extreme and sold him into slavery. In Egypt, he was falsely accused of trying to rape his owner’s wife and was thrown into prison. Through an exceptionally long series of positive and negative events, Joseph became the prime minister of Egypt. His food distribution program saved not only the country, but that region of the world. Years later when his brothers came to Egypt looking for food, Joseph recognized them instantly.
When his brothers learned the prime minister was their brother whom they had betrayed they panicked, certain Joseph would take revenge. Instead, he said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” (Genesis 50:20, NLT)
Joseph being sold was a terrible thing. His being falsely accused was equally unfair. Joseph was thrown into prison for something he did not do, which was anything but just.
