20/20 Hindsight

The news is full of stories that have been reassessed because we now have more information.

Some might say that it looks as though we have 20/20 hindsight. 

The Jimmy Savile allegations, the Lance Armstrong accusations, and the latest enquiry into the Hillsborough tragedy all show that more and better information can change the way we view the past. The wisdom which may come from such hindsight is yet to be seen.

The Bible is a story which relentlessly looks back to what has happened, and to see the hand of God active in human affairs. 

The story of Joseph, the dreamer son of Jacob, is one of the most striking. Sold by his brothers into slavery, he becomes the ruler of Egypt. When finally he reveals himself, he also reveals his understanding of how the Lord has been active. Behind the human wickedness, God has a larger plan. 'God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.' (Genesis 45.7-8)

Having this 20/20 hindsight allows Joseph to be generous and forgiving to his wicked brothers. Knowing that the Lord has been active throughout the roller coaster ride of his own life has given Joseph a perspective which places him within God's larger purposes. Instead of playing on his experiences of being a victim, Joseph shows that he is a willing servant in the hands of the God of all history.

How much our own lives might be changed and our attitudes reshaped if we would see ourselves in the Lord's hands. We might be much more thankful for all his blessings, and be much less grumpy and fed up when things don't please us.

Try it and see.

Best wishes,

Richard