Readings for today: Genesis 44-45, Matthew 15:1-20
“So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 45:4-8)
What does it look like to have God’s perspective? To look at life with all its ups and downs and see the hand of God at work? Consider all that Joseph had gone through. Assaulted by his own brothers. Sold into slavery. Falsely imprisoned. He could easily have adopted a victim mindset. He could easily have become bitter and angry. He could easily have sought revenge. But Joseph - perhaps more than anyone else save Abraham in the Book of Genesis - walks with God. He cultivates a close relationship with God. Interestingly enough, we have these accounts of God coming to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Visiting them over and over again throughout their lives. Speaking to them. Making promises. Not so with Joseph. Yes, he does receive visions and dreams but it’s not the same. And yet, his relationship with God seems to be the closest!
The Joseph cycle is a tender one filled with special moments. Joseph reuniting with his brothers. Judah, the one who sold Joseph into slavery in the first place, now offering his life for Benjamin’s. Jacob hearing the news that his beloved son is alive. God visiting Jacob one last time to assure him he would see his son before he dies. When one stops to think about it, one can probably see many parallels in our own lives and families. What an encouragement to know God is at work! What an encouragement to know God uses all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! What an encouragement to know God is sovereignly orchestrating the events of our lives according to His good and perfect will!
Where do you need God’s perspective today? Can you take a step back and see His hand at work in your life? In your home? In your neighborhood? In your school? At work? In our nation? Even if you are in the middle of great trial and struggle or you’ve experienced significant loss or suffering pain, do you have confidence God is with you? Trust in God’s promises! Lean on Him for strength! Cling to Him for hope! He will carry you through!
Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 46-48, Matthew 15:21-39