In this study of the Divine mode of conduct, we shall find (1) a light for the interpretation of the ways of Providence; (2) an example to be followed.
I. God permits evil, but from the evil He unceasingly causes good to proceed. If good were not destined to conquer evil, God would be conquered, or rather God would cease to be. This law appears full of light when we read the history of such men as Joseph, Moses, and David; and it is nowhere more evident than in the life of Jesus Christ. Here evil stands out in its most appalling intensity, and from that very excess comes forth the salvation of mankind.
II. Since the Scriptures call us to be imitators of God, like Him we must endeavour to draw good out of evil. For believing souls there is a Divine alchemy. Its aim is to transform evil into good. Evil, considered as a trial, comes from three different sources: it comes either from God, through the afflictions of life; from men, through their animosity; from ourselves, through our faults. We may learn Divine lessons from sorrow, lessons of wisdom from our enemies; we may even gather instruction from our faults.
E. Bersier, Sermons,2nd series, p. 380.
References: Genesis 50:20. J. Van Oosterzee, The Year of Salvation,vol. ii., p. 382; W. M. Taylor, Limitations of Life,p. 249. Genesis 50:22-26 R. S. Candlish, Book of Genesis,vol. ii., p. 335.Genesis 50:24-26. F. W. Robertson, Sermons,1st series, p. 304; F. W. Robertson, Notes on Genesis,p. 191; W. Bull, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxi., p. 371.