(Philippians 2:9–11)
Christmas was God’s most successful setback. He has always delighted to show his power through *apparent* defeat. He makes tactical retreats in order to win strategic victories. (follow me in thought here)
Joseph was promised **glory and **power in his dream (Genesis 37:5–11). But, unbeknown to him, to achieve that victory he had to become a slave in Egypt. And as if that were not enough, when his conditions improved because of his integrity, he was made worse than a slave—a prisoner!! (drink deeply)
(the theological sips start here)
But it was all ..... planned. For there in prison he met Pharaoh’s butler, who eventually brought him to Pharaoh who put him over Egypt. What an unlikely route to glory!!!
But that is God’s way—even for his Son. He emptied himself and took the form of a slave. Worse than a slave —a prisoner—and worse yet, was executed. But like Joseph, He kept His integrity. “Therefore God has *highly exalted* him and *bestowed* on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow” (Philippians 2:9–10).
And this is God’s way for us too. We are promised glory—"IF" we will suffer "with" Him (Romans 8:17). The way up is down. The way forward is backward. The way to success is through divinely appointed setbacks. They will *always* look and feel like failure. (ask Paul, Noah, Job, Elijah, Peter, Silas, Abraham, Isssc, Jehoshaphat, Esther, Daniel, John, John the Baptist, and the list goes on.)
But if Joseph and Jesus teach us anything this Christmas it is this: “God *meant* it for good!” (Genesis 50:20).
You fearful saints fresh courage take,
The clouds you so much dread.
Are big with mercy and will break In blessings on your head.
Coffee for your thermos! To drink when it starts to get cold!
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