NO NEED TO RETURN TO GOD – Morning thoughts from the lessons of Joseph’s life.

NO NEED TO RETURN TO GOD

Prepared by Pastor Calvin COOK

January 27, 2025

Scripture focus – Genesis 39:1-3 39 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did. (ESV)

It seems to me that I prepare many devotionals, sermons, teachings and have conversations about returning to God. I do self-diagnosis about returning to and being within the will of God and encourage others to do the same.

This morning in my prayer and meditation, I felt the Holy Spirit asking Why? Why do you have to even consider returning to God when you claim to be in God’s perfect will; have you left? Strayed? Choose another way?  Even for a minute, a day, a week, a lifetime? Hearing the Holy Spirit say “If you never leave, there will be no need to return!

This thought and teaching brings much clarity to John 15. Just some snippets of this powerful chapter of teaching from Jesus. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit”.(vs5) ““As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (vs9) “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love” (vs 5).  And John 15 continues and instructs about remaining in God.

Here is what I learned today from Joseph’s example. Joseph never needed to return to God, because he never left ! From his young age to his last breath, Joseph remained in God, in God’s good and perfect will. There is no reference in the 14 chapters of Genesis that records Joseph’s life that he ever doubted, failed to trust, or walked away.  Even from the depths of despair in being treated badly by his brothers, from being sold into slavery, being betrayed and lied about, thrown into prison and being in agony for his family and people, did he ever walk away.

There was no need for Joseph to ever return to God, because Joseph never walked away, turned from God or failed to trust.  Can the same be said for us?

I think it time we pray not only for a return to God for others but for ourselves to come into the place that we never need to question where we are in our faith.

May the Holy Spirit guide you in this time of prayer!