Worst-Case Scenario (Genesis 50:19,20)

Introduction

I am blind and often lose my way. That’s what we sung prior to the giving. And I thought how appropriate that was, considering some thoughts that I want to share with you today about seeing things as God sees them. And when you see things as God sees them, then you are seeing them for how they really are. As humans, we struggle with that. We tend to see things through the filter that the world wants us to have. And so that’s why we’re meeting together all the time and studying the scripture and hearing lessons preached from God’s Word, because we need to see things the way God sees things. And again, as they really are.

I think that’s one of the things that James is helping us do in James chapter 1. In the eyes of some people, this would be the way not to start an epistle. I mean, look at the first thing out of the shoot in James 1 and verse 2, he says, consider it all joy. And I would say that’s not going to be a typical response. It’s not going to be a response that occurs without some mental training and preparation. Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials. Don’t really relish the thought of that. But the testing of faith, he goes on to say, produces endurance. And when endurance has its perfect result, the person is found perfect, complete, lacking in nothing. So we have to look at trials in a way of what is produced ultimately by God’s design, something that is better, a better product.

As he says in verse 12, blessed is a man who perseveres under trial. For once he has been approved, and boy, that’s more important than anything else. For once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life. Now, I don’t know what all of that’s going to be like, but trust me, you want that. That’s the crown that matters. Somebody’s going to be crowned Super Bowl champion. Go ahead, give it to Tom Brady. He’s going to get another one. I’m sick of it. I’m tired of it. But I want to tell you, this crown is far better than that. Or let’s talk Roger Bedderer. I like that better. Who won his 20th major title, which is truly incredible, folks. I mean, the guy, he should be old by now.

But this crown is better. Which the Lord has promised to those who love him.

As God sees it. I think we struggle, even as Christians, in regard to the emphasis and attention we give to physical illness versus spiritual illness. Now, if I ask for a show of hands, all of us would agree that spiritual illness is something of a far greater degree than physical illness, and yet sometimes in our discussion, we, in the way we do things, I think we place a lot more emphasis on the physically ill than the spiritually ill. Maybe it’s just me, but. And there is some emphasis to be given to those who are physically ill. He goes on to talk about that in James chapter 5. But there are overtones of spiritual illness in all of this and some really challenging verses. He says, pray for one another that you might be healed.

Confess your sins to one another. He’s talking about spiritual healing at the end of that in verse 16. And then he says the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. I think maybe one of the reasons why we might give a lot more attention to physical illness than spiritual illness is dealing with the latter is far more challenging. I mean, you could make a meal, you can send a card, you can send a text, you can offer condolences and prayers to the one who’s physically sick. You can do a little for them. And I we all feel like we can do that, but actually rescuing someone from spiritual death and spiritual illness, so that’s going to require a little bit more. A little bit greater challenge.

And I think that’s one reason why we perhaps may struggle to talk to you this morning about another struggle that we have as it relates to the worst case scenario in life. The worst case scenario.

1. Sold Into Slavery by His Brothers

And a verse popped into my mind on this thought that right at the top of my list. This is pretty bad. I mean, getting along with our siblings, I know, kids, it’s awful. I have two sisters. I completely get it. Dealing with siblings is awful, but at least they didn’t sell me into slavery, though they probably wanted to several times. My parents were more hands-on, we weren’t off by ourselves, and so I didn’t get sold into slavery. But can you imagine you’ve got ten older brothers who want to get rid of you? Some of them are even of a mind to kill you. Sold into slavery by his brother. That is completely awful. But you know, we’re given a perspective and a vantage point on the story of Joseph that really helps us here, right?

Because we know how it all turns out in the end. That’s so helpful to know that. So we don’t really sweat the problem that he was sold into slavery, because we know how it all turns out. He becomes second over all Egypt. He saves his family and the working out of the promise and all of that, we can talk about Genesis forever. But that’s bad when you’re sold into slavery. It really is. Imagine it. You meant it for evil. Joseph tells the brothers once Jacob has died, he’s gonna get us back for this. And if justice had its way, then by all means treat them very harshly for what they’ve done. Oh, now that Jacob’s dead, we’re really in trouble now. Hopefully and thankfully, Joseph had greater ideas.

2. Not Blessed in the Looks Department

He saw things spiritually. He said, I’m not in God’s place. Yes, you meant it for evil. But God meant it for God. He saw the great working out of God’s plan. Things that have been promised to him from his youth. And so he didn’t take the place of God and reap vengeance. So I think about this story and other things that happened in our lives, and I want to talk to you for a minute this morning about worst case scenario. I’ve got a few examples that I want to share with you. And this might be considered to be a very bad thing. I have not been blessed with the best in the looks department. This is this is awful. I look in the mirror, I’m not good looking.

And I know exactly what you’re thinking. He is very qualified to speak on the subject.

Ladies, I wish I was prettier, like so and so I see on television or some singer who has people doing their makeup, and you’re not really seeing the real person. If you saw the real person, you might not think they’re all that pretty. But we think if we if we could be that pretty, we could be Jennifer Lopez. I mean, who? Just pick somebody. Or if I could be that handsome, my life would be so much better. Really? And I’m going to reading the Old Testament. You realize all the problems that happened because people were pretty. Or handsome. And I don’t have time to exhaust all of these, but Sarah comes to mind, Sarai at first. Twice. Genesis 12 and 20. Kings were so attracted by her beauty that they tried to take her from Abram and Abraham.

Genesis 12 and 20 changes in the middle. And look at all the difficulties that happened because Sarah was pretty. Now I think of Sarah, when I think of Sarah, I think of somebody old. You know, she was 100 years old, or 90 years old when she gave birth to Abraham was 100. When she gave birth to Isaac. So I think of this old woman, but she wasn’t always old. In her younger days, she was beautiful. And then the story unfolds later with the siblings, with Jacob. And Rachel, she was a beauty. She was something else. I mean, he was so mesmerized by her looks, he could work for her for seven years. And just be enthralled. And then in one of my favorite passages, Laban the trickster.

He thinks he’s getting Rachel. Don’t know about all the customs, but apparently he couldn’t see her face. And so he wakes up the next morning, and then one of my favorite verses. Behold, it was Leah. That’s a real shock the day after your wedding. Because remember, Leah’s eyes were delicate. Some translations say Leah’s eyes were weak. Now, I think that’s probably an idiom. I don’t think it’s when you looked at Leah, oh, those are the ugliest eyes I’ve ever seen. I don’t really think that’s the idea, but it was a way of saying in the looks department there. Was Rachel in there with Lee. And this rivalry of the wives that takes place after that was a big mess. But you know what’s interesting to me about the story of Rachel and Leah don’t have time to explore it all, but sort of turns out that Leah might have been more of a blessing to Jacob than Rachel was.

That Samson had over the beauty of women. And then there’s Absalom. I’ve always loved the description of Absalom. From the crown of his head to the sole of his foot, there was no defect in him. I think that’s everybody’s dream. He was absolutely perfect. Everyone thought Absalom was the most handsome thing around. He was able, as a result of this impressive appearance to establish this huge entourage. And then I love the statement in 2 Samuel 15. He stole away the hearts of the sons of Israel from David, his father, who was a great king and warrior who had killed Goliath. So impressive was Absalom. And you know who was most impressed with Absalom? Absalom. The guy built a monument to himself. I mean, at least let somebody else build it for you.

But the real monument is found in the same story.

The great heap of stones that was placed over him at his ignominious death at the hands of Joab. Short-lived was his good looks.

And that’s what the Proverb writer says about it. In the story of the worthy woman. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain. But she who fears the Lord will be praised. I mean, do you want people to fall all over you because of this outward material tasting? Is that who you are? Peter says in 1 Peter chapter 3 that it is the hidden person within. The quality of a person inside that makes the woman or that makes the man. That’s who you really are, because this physical stuff outside, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, I’ve noticed it decays pretty rapidly and is not as appealing as it once was.

3. Rejection for Suffering as a Christian

Because I won’t drink like they do. I won’t dress inappropriately as they do. I won’t use profanity like they do. I won’t do the activities that involve sinful conduct that they do. And I think sometimes we look at something, boy, that hurts. I don’t like rejection is fun. Can I sign up for that somewhere? And we think that’s just awful. That were to happen to me. But in the passage Jared was reading at the Lord’s Supper in 1 Peter chapter 4, he goes on to talk about suffering as a Christian. And in so doing, let that person glorify God. We’re talking about suffering on a far greater scale than our friends at school. Talking about the potential loss of life and persecution that could threaten your very life on this earth.

I just saw something when Jared was going through 1 Peter. I looked at 4.14, and this really relates to Windsor and I don’t want to throw it in somehow. About if you’re reviled for the name of Christ, it says, the spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

That’s an interesting phrase. I just sort of passed over it. I’m learning something right here. As Jared’s talking this morning, the spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Here’s the thing you may be suffering in this temporal moment as persecution is coming at your doorstep, and you’re being made fun of and ridiculed and persecuted for your faith. But you have the concern of heaven. You have fellowship with God.

You need to be able to see that in the midst of your pain and rejoice, he even says. So much more in that context in 1 Peter 3 and 4, the trial of your faith, 1 Peter chapter 1 and verse 7. And then there’s our Lord, who was, interestingly enough in Hebrews 2 and verse 10, perfected through sufferings. Why should we be any different or expect different in our own circumstances? He was perfected through sufferings. It can refine, it can strengthen, it can harden you in the right ways, produce patience and endurance, we saw in James chapter 1 early on. So what’s better or worse here? Well, okay, I’m going to cater to my friends because I don’t want to experience that rejection. I’m going to get along, I’m going to go along, I’m going to do the things that they do.

And now, oh, I don’t have to deal with that anymore, that rejection and pain. But what if that means the loss of your soul? You see, what’s really the worst case scenario? My friends like me. My friends think I’m awesome. I’m fun because I do what they do. But the real worst case scenario is that you stand in danger of the judgment. So what which is really the worst? Well, let’s get to even more difficult things.

How do I keep finding myself at every one of these points? Yes, Sherry’s, she’s got a challenge ahead of her. Married to you.

4. Your Spouse Presents a Challenge

Most of us, unless you just have one of these unique marriage relationships, in some way, your spouse presents a challenge to you. I mean, I’ve heard a lot through the years. Something about them is a challenge. Some of us are more challenging than others. Maybe we can have a little talk in the back and we start ranking us. John’s saying no. I get that, John. But we look at, you know, oh, I could have just been married to someone else. We look at this other person, oh, they’re so ideal and dreamy. Why didn’t I get to choose them? I guarantee you there’s some challenges associated with them. You just don’t know them. And here’s the thing about your particular situation and your challenge. You have no one to blame but yourself.

People tried to tell you what you were getting into. Even if you were just getting into marriage, I mean, let me just tell you about that. I again, it drives me crazy. I look at young people getting married, I was like, what are you saying? What do you say? Now, listen, God didn’t mean this for our misery. You know, I don’t mean to paint that kind of picture at all. If it was bad for us, he never would have put Adam and Eve together in the first place. It was not good for man to be alone. He made a helper suitable for him. So I want to tell you, if we observe God’s will for marriage and truly understand what he intended in this covenant, it’s a good thing.

It was meant for our good. And it’s so often, because of our culture and our selfishness and the things we’re being fed continually, we look at this and we say, this person’s a bum. Why am I stuck with them? They could be so much better. And I guarantee you, I’m not going to ask for a show of hands here, but if I ask for some, could I not even get a scroll there? Because most of us will say, yes, of course it could be better. But is the challenge of this relationship necessarily a bad thing? And I’ve talked before about seeking some exit strategy. Versus looking at marriage as what is God call me to be in this relationship? You know, I can’t control her, and she can’t control me.

I mean, we wish we could. To get the responses from them that we would like. But I can’t control her, and she can’t control me. The person I can control is me. And perhaps in this marriage covenant, instead of thinking about how the maid is reacting to me or not reacting the way I would want them to, maybe I just need to concentrate on what God calls me to be. What he asked me to pursue, how he’s calling me to love. And I need to focus on what I’m supposed to do. And when I focus on that, the whole thing might get better. And then again, it may not. It’s going to depend upon their response. But I could be better. I could be refined in the pursuit of my responsibilities in marriage.

Whether they choose them for themselves or not.

Even if they foolishly decide to walk away from this union, I can still grow and benefit from my pursuit of righteousness in every circumstance. So may I just recommend, as I acknowledge this truth, that your marriage partner is a challenge. But remember you are too. And that God has called you to grow and to pursue love. And you’ll be the better for it. So is it really the worst case scenario? We’ll come to one final point this morning. We could talk about a number of unfortunate situations. A child with a severe handicap, an accident or physical malady that adversely affects the rest of a person’s life, etc.

5. The Complete Loss of a Loved One

But what about the severity of the complete loss of a loved one? Biblical examples, four came to me, all in some way beginning with the letter J. Thought of Jonathan. I get sad when I think about Jonathan. When he comes to David at Horash and encourages him in God. I love that statement. I absolutely love that. The spiritual nature of the relationship of Jonathan and David. And he says, You will be king. And I will be next to you. I would like to have seen that. I feel deprived. That Jonathan had to die with his wicked dad on Mount Geboah. And then there’s Jeroboam, the guy that established the golden calf worship. And he hit his finger at two. The sin from which Israel could not depart for 200 years.

Ah the prophet had anointed him. But now Hijah the prophet is involved in the fact that his son, Abijah, which is an interesting name. Jehovah is my father.

I don’t know why Jeroboam chose such a great name for his son. In better days, maybe. But Abijah gets sick. They need to know something about the illness of their son. He’s gonna die. He’s not gonna live. But the why. When Jeroboam is informed, because in him something good was found. He dies in an early age. Not because he’s been bad. But because something is good in him.

So that he doesn’t have to see the devastation that’s coming to the house of his father. Jeroboam. Interesting. And then there’s Josiah. The boy king. Because of the tenderness of your heart, because you humbled yourself before me after several decades of wickedness. They’ve lost the book of the law. Things are really bad in Judah, and the end is coming. And God says, Josiah, because you’ve humbled yourself before me, you are going to be gathered to your fathers. Oh, well, great. You’re going to be gathered to your fathers, so you won’t see all the devastation and destruction I’m bringing on this place. And despite being issued a warning from the mouth of God from Pharaoh Necho, he still goes into battle, disguises himself, which interesting story. Allah Ahab, and it didn’t work for Ahab, not going to work for Josiah.

Disguises himself in battle and he dies anyway. God said you’re going to die young, basically. We think, oh, that’s awful. Well, there are some things Josiah never had to see. That were far worse than death at an early age. And then there’s James in the new side blast, Jay. I don’t know. Why Peter lives and James gets to die. What did you say gets to die? We look at that story in Acts chapter 12, James, oh, that’s that’s terrible. He was martyred. Well James got to glory quicker than Peter did. Why do we feel sorry for James? Is it really that bad? As we look at it. Now I know what you’ve been thinking. And I’ve been thinking it. I miss him. I am still struggling to process.

And you guys, I appreciate you wanting to amen and step up, but I’m here to tell you it’s just not the same.

But I said to the family members a few of them.

The why of all of this. Could God have prevented this? Absolutely. But I want to ask you something. Has the loss of our brother Wayland melt? Has it been a wake-up call to you? Has it caused you to be more spiritually attuned? Do you think of his example? Does he still encourage you and spur you on? Absolutely. Corey told me. Though we hardly knew it. But it was a wake-up call for him. Who knows? What the loss of our brother Wayland means in God’s whole plan. The extent of it. We’ll never know all of that. It’s probably far beyond us knowing. But we look at such losses and we see our pain and feel this pain, and we think, this is awful. Maybe not. These stories tell us.

Maybe not. And again, he is where we should all wish we were.

Conclusion

So much of life is not about what happens to you. But with how you respond to what happens. I’m out of time this morning. I was going to talk to you about this context. I knew I was probably going to be out of time. You can’t hardly read that passage if I made it bigger. The truth about trouble. I actually quoted some of this at the graveside for Wayland. Absent from the body to be at home with the Lord. If we can see things through spiritual eyes, that’s what this whole text is about. We do not look to the things which are seen, but to the things which are unseen. See things the way God sees them. When this earthly tent is torn down, we have an eternal house with God.

Eternal in the heavens. And so while death works in us, Paul says, that’s the persecution we were talking about. Death works in us, but life in you, if spiritual life is the result, then that’s positive. That’s not worst case scenario. That’s best case scenario. Man’s worst case scenario may indeed be God’s best case scenario. And the greatest trouble that anyone has is the problem of sin unremedied in your heart and life.

And that’s why our brother Wayland loved the preaching of truth. And that’s why he valued it. And that’s why he spoke so positively in our assemblies when truth was declared, because he knew this. That in this book and in this message we have hope for the problem of our sin. That’s worst case scenario right there, folks. And best case scenario, regardless of whether my life be long or less the link that we would want it to be. Christ in you is the whole of glory. Is Christ truly in you? As you have embraced his will and you are striving to live as he did you live. He who believes and is baptized shall be saved. Are you on that course, on that path? We invite you to come right now with Sanderson.