The enemy of great is the good

The story of Joseph found in the book of Genesis is the story of a man, the 11th of 12 sons, his father's favorite, who is sold by his brothers into slavery. As a slave he is falsely imprisoned only to be elevated by a set of divine circumstances to the position of second in command under Egypt's Pharaoh.

Over the next seven years Joseph administrated the growth and collection of grain in order to meet the coming seven-year famine -- a famine so great that the entire middle eastern world suffered causing everyone, including the brothers who sold him into slavery, to come to Egypt, to Joseph, to find food. Ultimately the family is restored and a legacy is built.

Shortly after Joseph's death the legacy that he established becomes a memory. He makes one deathbed request; When he dies his bones are to be carried back to the land of his father to be buried. What Joseph may or may not have known was the coming centuries of slavery that his family would have to endure before they left the comforts of Egypt for the harsh journey to the promised land.

Joseph did not need to insist on this promise. He had an amazing life. Wealth, influence, family; all that he could have ever wanted was at his fingertips. Yet what he wanted most was to be returned to the land of his forefathers. His eyes, even in death, were set on the eternal promises that God had made versus temporary treasures where he was.

Often it is the good things in our lives that become a hurdle to the great things that God has for us. The modern proverb is true; the enemy of great is the good.

The good temporary treasures of Egypt could have easily shifted the eyes of Joseph off of the greater promises of God.

Satisfaction with the good things of stability and security, which God has provided, can keep us from following Him in obedience those great things He has laid out for us. The Lord has more for our lives than accumulating good things. He is calling each of us to leverage those good things for the great things he has in store.

Joseph, who arguably had it all, understood in his soul that happiness in the good, in the temporary is overshadowed by the joy of the great promises of God.

Robert Hurtgen is a husband, father, minister and writer. Read more of him at robhurtgen.wordpress.com.