Sunday Extra: Weeping and Weaving
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20a, ESV).
The story of Joseph and his treacherous brothers is another familiar “Sunday School story.” But did you know the Hebrew word translated as “meant” or “intended” in this famous verse actually means to “weave” or “braid?”
In other words, “You meant it for evil, but God wove it for good.” The Master Artist at work on the tapestry of our lives!
On Valentine’s Day Sunday, I had the challenging assignment of substituting for a pastor who had just lost his 10-year-old daughter to cancer. The congregation, which had so beautifully journeyed with the pastor’s family throughout this trial, was understandably wracked with grief. What to share?
The Holy Spirit turned my heart to Genesis 50.
To be clear, cancer is evil. Pandemics are evil. I am not suggesting that we start jumping up and down and shouting “praise the Lord for COVID.” Cancer and pandemics and murder are part of the evil let loose at the Fall of Man.
What I am suggesting is that according to Genesis 50, God will weave a thread of glory through all this. We see it all throughout the Bible, usually highlighted by this simple phrase … “but God.”
So why is Leighton Ford Ministries sharing this message with you today? After all, you’ve probably never attended Fireside Church north of Boston.
For much of the United States, this is the one year anniversary of the COVID shutdown. One year ago was the first Sunday that many churches were closed for in-person services and scrambling for alternatives. We hoped it would be for just a few weeks, but many of our friends have yet to be able to return to in-person worship.
For many of us, it has been a year of grief.
… but God!
Dr. Jim Singleton
Executive Director of Missional Leadership
Leighton Ford Ministries
Dr. Singleton also serves as Associate Professor of Pastoral Leadership and Evangelism at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
SUNDAY EXTRA MUSIC: BUT GOD
But God sees some way, when miracles are well beyond our view.
His Love saves the day, when fear would tell us there
is just no use.
You can look the whole world over for the meaning of it all –
For the purpose that mankind has always sought.
In the end you’ll discover, there is no other answer
But God.
PODCAST: WHY MENTORING MATTERS
Have you ever wondered, “What, exactly, does Leighton Ford do with mentoring?”
My dad’s longtime friend and colleague, Dr. MaryKate Morse, recently joined the Monday Morning Pastor podcast to answer the question, “Can you survive without a mentor?” During the conversation, this is how she explained the need for mentoring pastors:
“Oftentimes in a denomination or a church, you cannot just say whatever is going on inside of you. It’s not good stewardship. You are the pastor. You do have to be the adult. To have people completely outside of your circle creates a really safe place for you to be yourself. Highly confidential”
Watch VideoOver the course of 45 minutes, MaryKate shares several accessible, engaging stories about the need for mentoring pastors and the unique impact of Leighton Ford Ministries’ distinctive of Safe Times, Safe Places, and Safe Friends.
Would you like to learn more? Click here to be inspired and encouraged.
Thank you for investing in healthy leaders who sustain thriving ministries for the sake of the Gospel!
Kevin Ford
Chief Catalyst
Leighton Ford Ministries
