A man-made image of Christ is a goal many of us, as believers, would deny pursuing. Yet, many of us have sought in our own power to sanctify ourselves. We, albeit unwittingly, have tried hard to be or become what we think we should be as followers of Christ. At times, we can struggle with a true heart condition, which seeks to be seen in a certain way, revered, or highly thought of by others. Such a desire tends to cause us to forget or miss the freeing truth that we can do nothing without Him.
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
We have embraced the deception that we can do the work He has called us to in our own strength and wisdom. I say this from personal experience. Many years have been spent in ministry trying to make things happen or present myself in certain ways. A particular passage in Genesis revealed a truth to me I hope never to forget.
Joseph’s story is amazing (read Genesis 37-50), but there is a smaller story within that speaks powerfully. Joseph was a man who learned great dependence on God. From family troubles, brotherly hostility, a murder plot, slavery, fake accusations, jail time to a rise in power and position of authority, Joseph waited on and trusted in God. Ultimately, Joseph was used by God to bring his family into Egypt. This family would then grow into a multitude and fulfill the plan of God. Joseph would never see this aspect of God’s plan, but he continued to trust.
In God’s sovereign plan, Joseph was sold into slavery and given up forever in the minds of his brothers. It would be years before Joseph would see his father again. There was no way Joseph could have orchestrated all of the events leading up to this, a journey I am sure he would have never chosen for himself. His dependence on God is clear, but there is a deeper change in Joseph, a transformation that occurred, which could never be man-made. Every aspect of Joseph’s journey was a step toward bringing about God’s will.
In a series of events, Joseph finally stood before his brothers, the very ones who had betrayed him. The ones whose hostility toward him had caused him to be away from his father and family for 22 years resulting in many personal trials. Joseph had the authority and power to exact revenge on his brothers, but he did something very different and convicting to me. He did reveal himself to his brothers, but instead of holding on to unforgiveness and anger, he focused on the deeper truth.
“Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life…God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” (Genesis 45:5-8)
Even after Joseph’s father died, when his brothers came to him once again in fear seeking his forgiveness, Joseph revealed a heart no man could transform on his own. Joseph said, “‘Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So, therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones’. So, he comforted them and spoke kindly to them” (Genesis 45:19-21)
It was a matter of perspective shaped by a belief and understanding in the sovereign plan of God that led Joseph to comfort the very ones who acted against him. It was a matter of the heart, which was one transformed by God through truth and trial. Joseph spoke kindly to them and ultimately provided for them in the overflow of the forgiveness he had already offered.
My heart was struck by the truth that I am to do the same. To speak kindly with an unforgiving heart is possible, though it does look very man-made.
But to comfort and speak kindly from the overflow of forgiveness is a divine act, one that I am not capable of in my own power. This story reminds me that God has always intended from the beginning to be the power behind the transformation of man into His own image.
Jesus’ words in John 15:5, “for apart from Me you can do nothing,” speak a truth that should permeate everything we do as believers. We can only accomplish His purpose and follow in His will when we truly understand that “nothing” means “nothing.” We can do “nothing” apart from Him. It is a relief to know that He will accomplish His work through us causing us to will and act for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). It may be through trials and difficulties in life, but it will never look man-made. Like Joseph, we, too, will reflect the image of Christ in the midst of hurts, trials, and long, difficult journeys as we trust in the plans, promises, and work of the One who truly transforms.