Page 65 - Living Light 90

Friday November 14 - A true ruler
So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land... Genesis 47:11
Joseph showed great kindness to his natural family, his father and his brothers – certainly far more than his older brothers deserved. But his kindness did not end there. He was a remarkably benevolent and wise governor of Egypt. After all, he brought the people out of a severe famine. “You have saved our lives,” they said. “May we find favour in the eyes of our lord...” (Genesis 47:25). He may have bought their lands from them in order to save them, but he made sure that no one starved.
Jesus also directed his efforts not just to his own people, the Jews, but to the Gentiles too – and of course he still does, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading these words! He may have come “only to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24) but we also read that he extended his reach to Gentiles too: “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also” (John 10:16).
In the same way, we shouldn’t show favouritism. Although we are exhorted to care for our spiritual brethren – ‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ’ (Galatians 6:2) – we do not neglect others who are not yet believers. After all, we are called to show the love of Christ to them; otherwise how are we going to reach them? Both Jesus and Joseph set the perfect example for us.
Father in heaven, please help me to be caring to all who cross my path. Amen.
Saturday November 15 - The bigger picture
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish
what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20
If there is one major theme to the Joseph story it is this: God uses us for his purposes, even if there is a lot of pain along the way. A friend of mine had experienced a horrific attack many years ago, requiring years of healing, physically and emotionally. Yet, looking back, she sees not only the good that came from this for other people, but considers herself now to be a better person after going through the extended ordeal. It was drastic for Joseph and Jesus too. Joseph had the pain of rejection and false imprisonment but came through as a better person.
And, of course, nothing can compare to what Jesus had to endure: ‘...for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God’ (Hebrews 12:2). And the writer also encourages us in the next verse to ‘consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’
The Christian life has its peaks and troughs; it is not meant to be a painless journey, but it is certainly a rewarding one. Let’s end with this thought: ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’ (Romans 15:13).
Father in heaven, please give me the grace and strength to navigate the journey you have planned for me. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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