27 January 2024
Reading From Genesis 43-45
“Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”
–Genesis 45:4-6
The sons of Jacob, who was now called Israel, had sold their brother Joseph into slavery because of their jealousy. They lied to their father, telling him that he must have been killed by a wild animal. Joseph was faithful to God and He blessed him with favor. Now Joseph is prime minister of all Egypt and by the knowledge and wisdom God had divinely revealed to him, he was used by God to keep the peoples of Egypt and the ancient middle east alive during what would eventually be seven years of famine. This life-saving provision was also extended to his entire Hebrew family, including the brothers who had once despised him.
We can see from their reunion that the brothers were genuinely remorseful, and that Joseph had forgiven them. Not only did God work all things together for the good of Joseph, but also had saved thousands, if not millions, of lives through him.[1] God has given us His Great Commandment, to love Him, love others, and love ourselves in healthy ways.[2] He has also given us His Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them and teaching them to follow Him.[3] But God doesn’t just give us commands and commissions. As with Joseph, He gives us the knowledge, wisdom, power and strength needed to do the work He has given us.[4] As followers of Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit Himself dwelling inside of us, revealing to us His will from His Word.[5] Through us, God can rescue many people with His message of love, acceptance, forgiveness and provision.[6] Let us be faithful to Him in the little things, as Joseph was.[7] God’s work through you might begin with choosing to forgive someone and telling them so, bringing a care package to someone who is sick, or praying with someone in public.[8] Whatever it may be, listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, let us work together as a family and the ministry of Jesus through us will grow.[9]
“God, help me to be faithful to what You have called me to do. May I put my hand to the plow and not look back. Thank You for giving me everything I need for life and godliness in Your Word and through Your Holy Spirit. Bless me with supernatural knowledge, wisdom and strength to share Your love and message with others. I pray that I would be a trustworthy worker in Your vineyard and that a bountiful harvest would come for Your glory. Amen.”
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died:‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
–Genesis 50:15-21
[1] Romans 8:28
[2] Mark 12:28-34
[3] Matthew 28:18-20
[4] II Peter 1:3
[5] I Corinthians 6:19-20, John 16:13
[6] Philippians 2:13, II Corinthians 5:17-19
[7] Luke 16:10
[8] Ephesians 2:10
[9] Proverbs 3:6, John 10:27, Romans 10:17, James 1:22-25
Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God 
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