Devos 365

Genesis 44:1-45:2   http://www.esvbible.org/Genesis 44:1-45:2 The story of Joseph and his brothers finally reaches a climax as all is revealed by Joseph. Through a cunning plan Joseph has been used as God’s instrument to bring the brothers to their knees. Through the mouth of Judah there is confession of the fact that God has revealed their sin to them and they are fully aware of their guilt. At this point, Joseph brings grace and comfort as he reveals his true identity as their long lost brother; twenty-two years of separation is ended and a family is united. With the resolution of these events we finally see Judah, the ancient ancestor of Jesus, step up and take charge of the impossible situation Joseph has brought upon the brothers. Judah is the one who makes a compelling case for mercy as he tells the story of what has happened to his family as a result of coming to Egypt for food. Judah pleads with the only thing he has left – the life of his father. This pl...

Genesis 43:1-34   http://www.esvbible.org/Genesis+43/   Yesterday, I had to go to the dentist for my semi-annual cleaning. Not my favorite thing to do but I put on my big girl panties and do it anyway. In fact, it used to be a source of serious dread in my life. I would get myself all worked up for days ahead of an appointment and wouldn’t sleep the night before hardly at all. I know, I know. Irrational. I’m better now – but not much. I still just dread going. As I was reading today’s story, I was completely aware of the dread that Joseph’s brothers feel at the thought of returning to Egypt and facing “the man” who holds their food source in his hands. You can feel that dread coming off of the pages as they try and explain to Jacob once again why they cannot go back without Benjamin. As a result of this conundrum they and their families are going to starve to death. They are completely caught in this trap that Joseph has so cunningly set for them. I marvel at how beaut...

Genesis 42:1-38   http://www.esvbible.org/Genesis+42/ Over 20 years have passed since Joseph last laid eyes upon his brothers. If you’ve ever been estranged from a family member, you know, that is a long time. People change but we are always surprised that they do. Often they change in ways we never could have imagined. Thus we find Joseph and his brothers reunited with Joseph having changed to the point where he is completely unrecognizable to his brothers. The future they saw for Joseph the day they sold him to the Ishmaelites is very far from the reality that stands before them that day in Egypt. Let’s look a few of the details of this story, for in those details we find the beauty of God’s plan.   ~ Naturally, the famine would strike the people of Canaan. They do not live that far from Egypt. Famines were frequent during Biblical times and often affected the entire area. ~ Jacob is still playing favorites among his boys. Benjamin has replaced Joseph ...

Genesis 41:41-57 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. 43 And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah. And he gave him in marriage Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt. 46 Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt. 47 During the seven plentiful years the earth produced abundantly, 48 and he gathered up...

Genesis 41:1-40   http://www.esvbible.org/Genesis 41:1-40 “When two full years had passed. . . “ This is how the story of Joseph continues in our reading for today. For two full years Joseph continues to cool his heels in prison, faithfully serving the chief guard and fellow inmates. Of course Joseph had no idea what was coming or that God had the plan for the protection of His people well under control. All that Joseph knew was that he had been seemingly forgotten once again. I am sure that he believed as some point along the way that he would languish in that prison until his death. In the midst of this incident involving Pharaoh and his dreams, it is probably weird that I would focus that short phrase. But it practically leapt off of the page for me today. When it appears I am in a situation alone two years can feel like a lifetime. Just imagine how Joseph must have hopefully waited those first few days after the cupbearer was released and placed back into the Ph...