Page 55 - Living Light 90

Friday October 31 - Blessings
“Let all these rest on the head of Joseph... the prince among his brothers.” Genesis 49:26
In concluding his words to Joseph, Jacob’s speech gushes with words of blessing on every aspect of Joseph’s life – from heaven above, from the earth, on his future generations... Blessings indeed, and rich rewards for his faithfulness to God and his trust in the God of his father Jacob. I wonder how his brothers felt now, standing alongside this ‘prince’? Their lives had been examined too by Jacob, their actions and decisions found wanting. But not Joseph. Whose life would I rather ‘learn’ from? Joseph’s, every time!
Many ‘life lessons’ are learned through the ‘school of hard knocks’! I’ve learned a few that way. But there is a better way – God’s word. The things we’ve read about Joseph and his brothers this week – the good and the not so good in how a life can be lived – are all examples to learn from; to gain wisdom, understanding; to make decisions that help us to avoid the ‘hard knocks’ that often come through trial and error!
Joseph’s God is our God. Just as Joseph never once retaliated for the wrongs done to him by his brothers, we can do this too, even when we feel life isn’t fair or we are treated harshly... hard though this may be. By the grace of God, we too can stand firm.
Dear Lord, Joseph’s life teaches us many lessons; help us to learn to lean on you as he did. Amen.
Saturday November 1 - And finally...
...Jacob drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people. Genesis 49:33
Our readings draw to a close as Jacob’s life ebbs away. Not a sudden or unexpected death, as we have seen, but one I’m sure we would all hope to have if possible – to lay back on our beds, pain-free and comfortable, surrounded by our family; knowing we had ‘finished the race’ and finished well.
As I tried to imagine this scene, one final ‘life lesson’ from Joseph’s came to mind – his devotion to his father. When they were finally reunited after years apart, he provided everything for Jacob, and for his brothers. Joseph loved his dad deeply, and amazingly his life wasn’t blighted by his dysfunctional family. Joseph knew the God of his father and trusted in him. The ‘father and son’ relationship in Joseph’s life made the difference. Their relationship shone through – even as Jacob died. An immense legacy was left by Jacob, evidenced especially in Joseph’s life, and the lives of his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim (Genesis 48:20).
A song (by Don Moen) came to mind which, after reading this chapter and considering the nature of Jacob’s life as well as his death, challenged me to examine how I am living... and for whom. It’s my prayer for today.
‘When it’s all been said and done, there is just one thing that matters – did I do my best to live for truth? Did I live my life for you?’ Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY