Intended for Good

“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

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” These words were spoken in the book of Genesis by Joseph to his brothers. Joseph’s brothers had sold him into slavery, but it was through being taken into slavery that Joseph was later able to save a nation from famine. “God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

When we think about the cross of Christ, this same statement holds true. Jesus was dealt a capital punishment; there was nothing unintentional about the pain and death he endured. But God intended it for good. Romans 4:25 says that Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. God used the events that occurred to accomplish the saving of many lives…including our own.

Our Good Friday service is held in the evening. As you walk in, the church is darkened. The candles on the altar and along the candelabras shine brightly. As the scriptures are read, the candles are extinguished one by one as the sanctuary slowly darkens. Eventually, all the candles have been snuffed out. Yet one light remains. The sanctuary lamp is the dim red light that shines above the lectern. This lamp represents the presence of God. Its light is always shining, even when no one is around to see it, even on the night we remember the death of God’s son. Christ died, but the light of God’s presence shines faithfully on, reminding us of the resurrection’s promise.

Although we did everything we could to extinguish the light of Christ, we were not victorious. Christ is victorious, even in the cross, even in a world still partially darkened by sin and death. We intended it for evil, but God intended it for good.

Prayer: Almighty God, look with loving mercy on your children, for whom our Lord Jesus was willing to be betrayed, to be given over to the hands of sinners, and to suffer death on the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Action: Attending the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services will help you reflect more deeply on Christ’s suffering and death, and celebrate his triumphant resurrection on Easter morning with even more gratitude!