Some thoughts shared recently as I journeyed through Genesis 45-47 were about the forgiveness of Joseph as he reveals his identity to his brothers. They had been jealous of him when they were young after Joseph told them the dream he had about them bowing before him one day.
As I read in Genesis 45, I recorded that the dream becomes reality as Joseph became very powerful in Egypt. His ability to interpret dreams helped him progress from slave to second-in-command in Egypt. Then, a great famine comes across that part of the world and Joseph wanted to reconcile with his brothers.
He forgave them and believed it was by God’s design that they sold him into slavery. He wanted their families to live nearby so they would receive the best within the land during the time of famine. They eventually were allowed to settle in the land called Goshen; the most fertile area of Egypt. There, they could raise their livestock.
So Joseph changed from being an arrogant brother into a humble servant and then a loving brother willing to forgive with so much love for his father. He had become second-in-command in all of Egypt and in a position to help his family survive a famine that was sweeping through the land.
As manager, Joseph made Pharaoh extremely wealthy. Since he planned for the famine and stored up food, the people had to sell their land and a fifth of the produce in the future in order to purchase the food they needed to survive. Pharaoh became owner of all the land except the land of the priests.
Like Joseph, we can use our strengths in our vocation and everyday duties. We can go to God in prayer, receive the directions we need, and carry them out. Each day with God, we can put Him in control. There is strength in His promise of an eternal future with Him in paradise. Our greatest strength is in being who we are; a precious child of God and because of this, we have unlimited potential. God can use each of us to fulfill this potential.
Faith is all about study, prayer and listening to God in order to follow His will. As a person spends time with God, changes for the better do occur. With this in mind, I will continue my journey through the Word of God and seek to discover ways to apply His Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods.
The below questions for reflection for the upcoming study are laid out below to help bring out some thoughts and ideas to share with you over the next few posts.
Genesis 48
How does Jacob sum up his life here? What is his perspective in this situation? To what extent do you look for God’s further deliverance? What do you learn about God here?
Genesis 49
On what basis does Jacob predict the future of his sons? What would you like to be remembered for? What will the heavenly Father be able to say concerning your life?
Genesis 50
What are Joseph’s relations with Pharaoh? Summarize Joseph’s influence on the people of Egypt, the surrounding land, and his own family. In what ways are you influencing those around you?
The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
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