We invite you to take a peek inside our weekly Light for the Way devotional series provided for staff.
By Optage Hospice Chaplain Nick Matchefts
“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.” —Gen 50:19b-20
Joseph’s reassuring words to his brothers. You may know his story. Joseph, the son of Jacob, was a rather annoying younger brother. His brothers allowed their resentment to reach dangerous levels. They conspired to get rid of him and sold him as a slave to a passing caravan. Through a fantastic set of events, Joseph ends up as chief of staff for the Egyptian monarchy and is given responsibility for seeing the nation through a seven-year famine. In the process, he reconnects with his family and brings them under his protection. But they remembered. And they were afraid.
The logic of Joseph’s assurance is simple, yet profound. We were all caught up in something much bigger than ourselves. God was at work, using even our failures to achieve a higher good. I have forgiven you. Let’s move forward together into God’s greater good.
It is easy to let life’s insults, injustices, injuries and inevitable challenges to take an outsized share of one’s attention. At work, in personal life, in every sphere of relationship. But in God’s community, there is always something bigger going on. It reminds me of what the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28: In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What things? All things!
As I start this day, what things am I holding onto that are keeping me from moving forward into God’s greater good? If there’s something bigger going on, I want to be a part of it. I invite you to join me in that.
Rev. Nick Matchefts serves as a hospice chaplain with Optage Hospice. He is an ordained Baptist pastor. Prior to Optage, Nick served in seminary education (Bethel Seminary), congregational ministry, and a long time ago, the US Air Force. He, his wife Lori and daughter Catelyn live in the Twin Cities and dream about canoeing and star gazing in the lake country of Northern Minnesota.
The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.
Find more in the Light for the Way series:
Love one another
Get to know us: a Christian ministry
Introducing Light for the Way, a new devotional series
