Am I in the Place of God?

Articles

Mike Webb
04/04/12 - Minute Lessons

Perhaps you are familiar with the story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery out of jealousy (Gen.37:12-36). Eventually the family was reunited in Egypt where Joseph helped to take care of the family in the time of famine. After Jacob died the brothers were concerned that Joseph would “pay them back” for all the evil they had done to him (Gen.50:15). In response to their concern Joseph said, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?” (Gen.50:19).

Joseph understood that there is a place that God occupies that no man is qualified to fill. He understood the vengeance belonged the Lord and not to him (Romans 12:19).

Like Joseph we must learn not to put ourself in God’s place. When we men write creed books or formulate doctrine then they are in God’s place. The Bible warns about those who would teach anything different that the apostles (Gal.1:6-10). When man wears religious titles they are in God’s place (Matt.23:8-10). When men seek to tell the date of Christ’s return then they are in God’s place for only God knows when Christ will return (Matt.24:36). May we learn like Joseph not to put ourselves in God’s place.