REDEMPTION BY AN OMNISCIENT GOD.

BIBLE PORTION
Genesis 45:1-7

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION 
Genesis 45:7
INTRODUCTION
I am thinking of beginning this sermon with theologian John Calvin’s phrase, “When God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.” The Scripture passage given for today’s morning meditation is recorded like a pre-climax in the life of Joseph as an individual. However, through the life of this one person, the redemptive plan of the all-knowing and almighty God is intricately woven. Not only that, but it also reveals that Yahweh’s redemption is universal.

This passage highlights the emotional distress and reconciliation that arise from jealousy among brothers within a family. It also teaches how those in positions of authority should conduct themselves. Moreover, it emphasizes that, regardless of obstacles, God’s universal plan of redemption in history will inevitably come to pass. People have discovered that there are eight evolutions in this world. However, only the omniscient God knows how many evolutions truly exist. Likewise, only God knows how many transformations occur in the events of history—past and ongoing.

In this great act of redemption in history, let us meditate on only two transformations this morning

1.REDEMPTION BY AN OMNISCIENT GOD WHO TRANSCENDS BARRIERS: (Genesis 45:7)
I am thinking of beginning this subtopic with a few questions:

What is redemption?

Is redemption only about spiritual benefit? If so, why was Joseph chosen as an instrument of redemption—to provide food for the people of the world? This is because redemption is not just about spiritual benefit. Spiritual benefit is only one part of redemption. Such redemption is not something that can be obtained easily.

In later days, Jacob’s descendants formed the nation of Israel. Joseph was the one chosen to protect both them and the other nations of the world from famine. When people think of Joseph, they often picture him as the one who resisted the advances of Potiphar’s wife. However, his true mission was to provide food for Jacob’s descendants and the surrounding nations. Joseph was predestined by God to protect these people. We can see that God had appointed him for this great task through the dreams he had in his childhood (Genesis 37:5-11). To fulfill this divine mission, Joseph had to overcome many obstacles with God’s help. Among these, the most significant and cruel challenge was being thrown into a pit by his own brothers and later sold to the Ishmaelites.

Would God allow evil in a person’s life to carry out His perfect plan? If this was truly God’s work, does it mean that His redemptive plan is fulfilled through human evil? These are the questions that arise. Genesis 37:4-5 states that Joseph’s brothers acted out of jealousy and hatred. Perhaps this was even an attempt by Satan to hinder God's redemptive plan. However, God worked through these obstacles to fulfill His divine purpose.

Can human beings—who were created by God—hinder His plan? No, they cannot. God is Omniscient, and no matter what humans think or do, only His plan will ultimately prevail in this world. Obstacles may arise, but in the end, only God’s purpose will succeed. Redemption is God’s plan, and He will bring it to completion. He alone knows how to overcome obstacles and bring redemption to the world—because He is Omniscient.

2.REDEMPTION OF THE OMNISCIENT GOD THROUGH POLITICS:- (Genesis 45:8)
"Politics is a dirty business"—this is a phrase we often hear. However, it is an undeniable truth that politics is involved in every grain of rice we eat. Power comes through politics.

Jacob’s family went to Egypt seeking survival, but when they returned, they left as the nation of Israel. The key figure behind this transformation was Joseph. Joseph held great authority in Egypt, implementing the power of the government. Why did God place Joseph in a position of authority? Because authority is necessary to execute plans. If Joseph had remained an ordinary man, his plans might never have been implemented.

However, Joseph deserves our admiration. When he gained power, he did not use it to take revenge on his brothers for their jealousy. Instead, he understood why God had given him that authority and acted accordingly. Genesis 45:5 reveals that he did not use his position for personal vengeance but fulfilled God’s purpose.

Even if we dislike politics, it is undeniable that God has worked and continues to work through political systems. The Bible contains several examples of this. For instance, King Nebuchadnezzar played a role in the deliverance of the Israelites, who were in captivity. Similarly, in Kanyakumari district, the reason women wear the kuppayam (a traditional upper garment) was due to the efforts of Christian missionaries. They wrote letters to Queen Elizabeth, fought legal battles, and secured this right for them. This is yet another example of how God’s redemption moves through politics and authority. No matter who is in power, the redemption God provides for His people will come to pass.

CONCLUSION
Is the immeasurable redemption granted by God only for the people of Israel? Is it meant solely for Jacob’s family? In Genesis 45:7, the Hebrew word אֶרֶץ (eretz) is used, which means "earth" or "land." Joseph declares that God sent him to Egypt to save the world. This same Hebrew word appears in Genesis 1:1, when God created the earth. This indicates that God’s redemption is not limited to a specific group of people but is universal. Likewise, Jesus Christ, the perfect redemption given by God, is for the whole world. The salvation received through Jesus Christ is universal.

The redemption given by Christ was revealed on the Cross. From the very beginning, the redemption that was to be revealed on the Cross faced threats—both from human wickedness and from the power-hungry nature of political authorities. King Herod, in his attempt to kill Jesus, ordered the massacre of all male children under the age of two. Similarly, the fulfillment of redemption was also closely linked to political power. Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent, yet why did he sentence Him to crucifixion? To protect his political authority. Why did the Jewish religious leaders demand Jesus be crucified? To maintain their religious and temple authority in Jerusalem. But they did not understand that redemption was found in the Cross. Even though Jesus’ crucifixion was part of God’s divine plan, it was politics and authority that sent Him to the Cross.

Beloved in Christ, fundamentalists and nationalists may rise to power—as presidents or prime ministers. Yet, God will fulfill His redemptive plan through politics. The God who triumphed on the Cross is still alive today through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He will redeem this world from every situation—because the redemption of this world is God’s plan. No matter what humans do, they cannot stop God’s plan—because God is Omniscient. Let us put our faith in this God and carry out our ministry faithfully.

Amen!

ACCOMPANYING TEXT 
1. Ellicott's Commentary on the whole Bible.
2. Luther's works vol.8, Lectures on Genesis 
3. A critical Exegetical Commentary on Genesis.
4. The New Interpreter's Bible 
5. Biblia Hebraica

©2025, I. Ananda Balakrishnan

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