Sermon Central
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Blessings In Disguise
Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 19, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: The consecrated Christian does not live in an accidental world. Things and events happen for a purpose...though often unseen and unappreciated by us but marvelously brought together by God for our ultimate good.
BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE
"And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ’See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt…Pharaoh also said to Joseph, ’I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt." Genesis 41:41, 44
The mine rescue effort in Somerset, PA was delayed 18 hours because the drill bit broke at 105 feet down, 135 feet short of the water-filled tunnel where the miners were trapped. We later learned that had the bit not broke and the drilling had continued, the rescue would have failed because the bit would have hit water resulting in the loss of every air pocket in the area.
I. JOSEPH SOLD INTO SLAVERY
“So Judah said to his brothers, ‘What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.’ And his brothers listened. Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ismaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.” Genesis 37:26-28.
II. THE THIEF CONDEMNED TO DIE ON A CROSS
The thief could have been sent to prison for the crime of robbery but he was given a much more severe sentence for his crimes, he would be put to death on a cross. But his trip to the cross was the first segment of his trip to heaven. Had he gone to prison…he would have missed Jesus!
“Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:42-43.
III. JESUS CONDEMNED TO DIE ON THE CROSS
When the disciples learned of the impending death of Jesus, they were filled with great sorrow (John 14:1). They did not comprehend that He had to die for our sins but that after three days He would be resurrected, confirming His promise: "Because I live, you shall live also." John 14:19.
“And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and who also mourned and lamented Him.” Luke 23:27
“Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter in His glory.” Luke 24:26.
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.
