DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONAL: JANUARY 4 HATED BUT NOT HARMED (2) SCRIPTURE: Genesis 41: 40 – 41
We are taking off from the devotional of yesterday and from the story of Joseph. It is possible Joseph’s heart was filled with negative thought that his life would be cut off from his dreams as he was sold to strangers. At his initial period in Egypt, Joseph was sent to prison because his master’s wife hated him for refusing to sleep with her. But by the grace of God, Joseph was lifted from the prison into a Palace as Second-In-Command to the ruling Pharaoh. The Bible said of him: “You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word…and Pharaoh said to Joseph, see I have set you over all the land of Egypt” (Gen. 41: 40 – 41NKJV). As seen here, all the hate on Joseph could not kill (harmed) him because God had created him to reign over people.
Another example of one who was hated but cannot be harmed was Mordecai. Haman hated Mordecai in all ramifications. He extended his hate on Mordecai to the Hebrew people who were in exile with Mordecai. Haman’s hate on Mordecai got to a level that he prepared the gallows on which Mordecai would be hanged (Esther 6: 4, 9 – 10 NKJV). Ironically, it was Haman who was hanged on same gallows. Reasons Joseph and Mordecai were hated but not harmed was because they lived their lives in total obedience to God. This should comfort whoever is reading this piece; who has been passing through hates by people. If you believe in God sincerely, hate of people will never harm you. The Bible says: “Evil shall slay the wicked and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned” (Psa. 34: 21)(NKJV).
One thing God always do for those who are hated for just no reason is that, He comes around to save them and put their haters to shame. King David profiled this when he said: “You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us” (Psa. 44: 7 NKJV). If you are always hated as a Christian, do not be discouraged and give up your hope and faith. Jesus had told His disciples that anyone who follows Him will be hated but not a hair on their head shall be lost: “And you shall be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost” (Luke 21: 17). This passage is enough an assurance, based on the word of God that the righteous can be hated but not harmed. The beloved in Christ, know now that the LORD who saved Joseph and Mordecai still remains your God. Trust Him no matter how you have been hated. He will not allow you to be harmed.
PRAYER:
Ask God in prayer to always hold you closer to Himself when many turn their hate on you. Ask Him to grant you courageous mind to wait on Him patiently when everyone around begin to hate you without cause.
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