And the Lord was with Joseph
William MacDonald teaches that the life of a believer is governed by God's providence, not luck or chance, emphasizing the assurance and purpose found in divine guidance.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the biblical truth that God's providence governs the life of the believer, not luck or chance. He challenges common superstitions and cultural expressions that contradict faith in God's sovereign plan. Drawing from the story of Joseph and Isaiah's prophecy, MacDonald encourages Christians to live confidently under God's loving guidance and reject the bondage of superstition.
Text
“And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a -prosperous man.” (Gen. 39:2)
I have heard that one of the earliest versions of the English Bible translated this verse, “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a luckye fellow.” Perhaps “luckye” at that time had a different meaning. At any rate we are glad that later translators removed Joseph from the realm of luck.
For the child of God there is no luck. His life is controlled, guarded, planned by a loving heavenly Father. Nothing happens to him by chance.
That being so, it is inconsistent for a Christian to wish “Good luck” to someone else. Nor should he say “I lucked out.” Such expressions are a practical denial of the truth of divine providence.
The unbelieving world associates various things with good luck-a rabbit’s foot, a wishbone, a four-leaf clover, a horseshoe (always with ends pointing upward so the luck won’t spill out!). Men cross their fingers and knock on wood, as if those actions could affect events favorably or avert misfortune.
The same people associate other things with bad luck-a black cat, Friday the 13th, walking under a ladder, the number 13 on a room or on the floor of a building. It is sad to think of people living in bondage to such superstitions, a bondage that is both needless and fruitless.
In Isaiah 65:11 (NASB), God threatened punishment for those in Judah who, it seems, were worshiping the god of chance.
But you who forsake the Lord,
Who forget My holy mountain,
Who set a table for Fortune,
And who fill cups with mixed wine for Destiny.
We cannot be positive as to the particular sin involved but it sounds suspiciously as if the people were bringing offerings to idols that were associated with luck and chance. God hated it and still does.
What confidence it gives us to know that we are not the helpless pawns of blind chance, or of the rolling of cosmic dice, or of Lady Luck. Everything in life is planned, is meaningful and is purposeful. For us it is our Father, not fate; Christ, not chance; love, not luck.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction to Joseph's prosperity under God's presence
- Refuting the idea of luck in the life of a believer
- The biblical perspective on divine providence
-
II
- Common superstitions associated with luck and chance
- The futility and bondage of superstition
- How these contrast with the Christian worldview
-
III
- God's displeasure with worship of fortune and destiny
- Biblical example from Isaiah 65:11
- The call to trust in God's sovereign plan
-
IV
- The assurance believers have in God's purposeful control
- Christ as the source of true security, not chance
- Living confidently under God's loving guidance
Key Quotes
“For the child of God there is no luck. His life is controlled, guarded, planned by a loving heavenly Father.” — William MacDonald
“It is inconsistent for a Christian to wish 'Good luck' to someone else.” — William MacDonald
“For us it is our Father, not fate; Christ, not chance; love, not luck.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Trust in God's sovereign plan rather than relying on luck or chance.
- Avoid using language that implies belief in luck to affirm faith in divine providence.
- Reject superstitions and place confidence solely in God's loving guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bible support the idea of luck?
No, the Bible teaches that God is sovereign and controls all things, and what some call 'luck' is actually divine providence.
Why should Christians avoid saying 'good luck'?
Because it implies reliance on chance rather than God's providential care, which contradicts biblical truth.
What are some examples of superstition mentioned?
Examples include rabbit’s feet, four-leaf clovers, black cats, Friday the 13th, and knocking on wood.
How does God's providence affect a believer's life?
It assures believers that their lives are planned and guarded by God, giving meaning and purpose to all circumstances.
What does Isaiah 65:11 say about worshiping fortune?
It condemns those who forsake the Lord to worship idols associated with chance and fortune, warning of God's judgment.