Remove the Stings Out of Life

Scriptures: “Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, ‘It is because God has made me forget all my trouble …” (Genesis 41:51)

Joseph was a legend in the Old Testament. For more than a decade, his life went up and down like a roller coaster. He was betrayed by his own brothers and was sold into slavery. He was exalted by his master, Potiphar, the Captain of Pharaoh’s guards, to be Potiphar’s attendant and was in charge of Potiphar’s household only to be framed and put in prison later on by his own master’s wife where he spent more than 2 years. But Joseph remained faithful to the Lord.

Because the Lord was with him and blessed him on everything he did, especially his interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, he was restored to high position and was entrusted with great responsibilities. It was then that he was blessed with 2 sons of whom the first one he named Manasseh which literally means removing the stings of life. Joseph never forgot the grace and blessings of God. In his child’s name, he remembered what the Lord has done for him.

It’s interesting to notice how Joseph remembered his life. Many people have come to success with bitter memory of their past. Some of them even went to the extent to avenge themselves on those who had caused troubles in their lives before. Some, though not as extreme, carried the scars, resentments and bitterness with them for the rest of their lives. But, as Christians, how are we supposed to remember our past?

I think we can learn a great deal from Joseph. For one, I think Joseph was a man who constantly remembered that he stood before God for everything he did. God is omnipresent. To Joseph, this was not a theological concept or theory. This was a reality. Therefore, even when he was seduced by his master’s wife, his choice was partly due to his awareness of God’s presence in his life. More than that, Joseph had a heart that desired to please God. Not only did he know that God was there with him, he wanted to please God with everything he did. This motivation enabled him to make the godly choice of fleeing from that temptation.

To Joseph, God is good, period! Even though he had the firsthand experiences of human wickedness, he knew that God is good and that God is capable of making something good out of all the evil and wicked things man did in his life. Again, to Joseph, this is more than a theological understanding. This was his conviction that enabled him to submit to God’s leading and to be thankful to God for His divine providence.

How do we remember our past? What would come into focus when we think of our past? Would it be hurting moments? Or, would it be the confusing moments? Was there ever a turning point? What would that be? What did that moment turn us into? We should learn from Joseph and rise above human weakness and wickedness to start looking at our lives from God’s perspective. Then, and only then, will we be able to truly appreciate for everything God has done in our lives and proclaim as Joseph did, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)


Prayer Requests:
Those in bondage of hurting and broken relationship from past

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being mindful of us. Even when we were still in the bondage of sin, You have come down to deliver us from the power and bondage of sin. You told us that, by Jesus’ wounds we are healed. We ask that You continue to work in our lives so we may be truly and completely healed of all human wickedness and be empowered to live a life reflecting the love and glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen!