Genesis 35:15-17 is a little paragraph that might look insignificant: just “a man” with whom Joseph has what many would think a “chance encounter.”  But this little narrative is actually of great significance.  “All scripture is inspired of God”, and this one is here for a purpose.  It demonstrates God’s providence in the coordination of seemingly insignificanct incidents in order to fulfill His purposes. 

Without this “chance encounter”, Joseph would never have found his brothers; he would never have been sold into slavery, and God’s plan for saving the family, and the line of the Messiah, would not have come to pass.  But God DID put “a man” there, and he was able to tell Joseph that he overheard the brothers say exactly where they were going, and off Joseph went, to fulfill God’s purpose for himself and for the world. 

This is more than an item of historical trivia.  We need to realize the same kinds of things happen in our lives.  God is still a God of detailed providence, who lines up even very minute happenings in our lives so that His plans may be fulfilled.  Watch for those “little” things.  What may look for all the world like a “coincidence” or a “chance encounter” may be the hand of God orchestrating the next big thing He is doing in your life!