Tag: God

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, God is good, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Prayer for the Lost Sheep –

Posted on by

Father, You are good. You are Holy, righteous, and true – and You are my God! Your WORD is eternal, bringing life and health and peace to all who hear and believe. For those who have never heard, I pray they will hear and believe even today! For those who have heard BUT NEVER BELIEVED, I pray You will melt their hearts of stone – that they might believe and be saved. For those without a messenger will You open their eyes to Your creation – for Your Word makes clear that everything You’ve made displays Your invisible qualities – Your eternal power and divine nature – so that NO ONE has an excuse for not knowing You. Raise up messengers to go in Jesus’ Name and translators to translate in Word or print and supporters who will send and pray. All of this to Your eternal glory and the salvation of the lost. – … Father, for those who have both heard and believed but have turned away to the right or to the left and find themselves wandering in a wilderness, stuck in a pit, swallowed up by the world’s ways, or bound again by a yoke of slavery – will you please open the eyes and ears of their hearts Lord – to hear You, the One who is their faithful Shepherd, who has left the 99 to find them. Help them to reach out for Your rod and staff and to walk free of their chains and all that binds them and keeps them from You. – Again, all of this for Your eternal glory and the redemption of Your people. Amen in Jesus’ Name and Power!

Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

The Grand Finale

Posted on by
WEEK 6, DAY 5 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:31, 3:4-6, 6:5-8, 18:22-25, (SOAP – Genesis 50:19-20)

But Joseph answered them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day.  NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA:

Ah, the grand finale of Genesis. It was in our reading and devotional yesterday, and we are circling back to it today. Too much? I don’t think so. It bears great witness to Joseph’s character and to God’s sovereignty, both wonderful examples and encouragement to the Christian faith.

As we noted yesterday, following the death of their father, the brother’s treacherous act of selling Joseph into slavery comes back to haunt them, prompting them to fear Joseph’s revenge in the absence of their father. Joseph reassures his brothers that there will be no revenge – that is left in the hands of God. While what they did was intended to harm him God not only knew and allowed it but He used what they were doing for His good purpose. The purpose, as He points out, was to preserve the lives of many people, which they can clearly see has been accomplished.

Other Notable Observations:

  • God pronounced His creation – “very good!”
  • The man and woman fell prey to the serpent’s words and chose the fruit instead of God
  • The LORD regretted making humankind because their wickedness was so great
  • Noah found favor in the sight of the LORD
  • Abraham pleaded with God to not destroy the good with the evil
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

We must not let our sins of the past make us fearful of the present or future.

We must trust in God and His power to accomplish good purposes even out of evil actions.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, thank You for the beautiful story of Jacob and Joseph and the cast of characters that have been a part of this study. A study that has focused us on choosing You instead of what the world offers and we so often desire. Thank You for Your sovereignty, Your Presence, and Omniscience that gives us hope – even in the things that seem hopeless. We live in a world that is rampant with evil but we are reminded that You are always at work to accomplish Your “good purposes – for Your Kingdom, Your people, and the world.” Fix our eyes on You so that we do not lose sight of Your calling on our lives to trust You in all things. – In His Name and power – Amen!

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • In what ways have you seen God turn something intended by others to harm you into something good?
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

Reassurance and A Call for Courage

Posted on by
WEEK 6, DAY 4 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 49:29-50:26; Exodus 13:19; John 14:1-3 (SOAP – John 14:1-3)

 “Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. 3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. John 14:1-3NLT
OBSERVATION:

Today’s Focus Verse: John 14:1-3

The words found in John chapter 14:1-3 are words of reassurance spoken by Christ to His disciples. “In the last few moments, Jesus has indicated one of the disciples is a deceiver (John 13:21) and predicted Peter will deny knowing Him at all (John 13:38; Luke 22:34). This comes in the context of frequent references to His impending death (John 12:7, 23–24).”1 His words may sound like a pep talk to be more upbeat but in reality the term for “troubled” or “distressed” is more of “a call for courage.” Like Jacob and Joseph, who trusted in God’s promise yet to come we must trust Jesus when He says He will come again to take us to be with Him.

1 All quotes from BibleRef.com on John 14:1

THE GENESIS SAGA:

We have traveled a long way with Jacob, watching him from the time he was in his mother’s womb up to his dying breath in Egypt. We will now travel back with him to Canaan, where he will be buried with his father and his father before him, an important expression of his faith in the promise that God would one day make him into a great nation. We are given a front row seat to the days following his death and to the Egyptian’s way of mourning, including the embalming of his body which was typically a custom reserved for those of status, such as Joseph. Although in this case the embalming would have helped keep Jacob’s body from decaying on their long trip back to Canaan.

Following the days of mourning and burial the brothers began to think about the situation and played the ‘what if’ game – “What if Joseph bears a grudge and wants to repay us in full for all the harm we did to him?” Joseph once again assures them that he is content that what they meant for evil God meant for good and by it had preserved the life of many people. He tells them not to be afraid and consoles them — now this is love.

Joseph’s death is recorded in this same chapter. When he was 110 years old. Before he died, like his father, he trusted in the promise yet to come and was concerned about the final resting place of his bones and he made the “sons of Israel” promise to carry his bones up from Egypt to the land God would one day lead them to in fulfillment of His promise. (Note: Our reading from Exodus 13:19 is the fulfillment of his bones being taken up from there.)

Other Notable Observations:
  • Joseph had to request permission from Pharaoh and Pharaoh gladly allowed it
  • Joseph was not looking to ‘escape’ his life in Egypt
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

There are many different customs and various traditions when it comes to burials and funerals today. Embalming and cremation are both common choices now. Viewings and services are less and less a two-day event and are even veering toward celebrations of life rather than loud mourning and wailing. Regardless of how different these practices are from Jacob’s time the thing that hit me most in reading today’s passages is we do not have to worry about where our bones will be. Christ has given us His full assurance that He will come again and take us to be with Him.

Jesus encourages the people not to let death be a cause for fear or stress, but rather a call for courage. It’s a courage that comes from trusting in God, the Father and the Son – knowing God’s provision through the Son and the Son’s provision through His death and resurrection.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father God, thank You that we do not have to worry about where our bones are buried, or for that matter where the bones of Jesus are buried. Thank You for the work of Jesus on our behalf – who made a way for us to take Him with us everywhere we go and has gone before us to prepare a place where we will be forever with You – to which I say Hallelujah and Amen!

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTION:
  • Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? If so, do you believe He is preparing a place for you?
  • How can you live in light of this marvelous promise?
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

By Faith

Posted on by
WEEK 6, DAY 2 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 47:28-48:22; Isaiah 55:8-9; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 11:13 and 21 (SOAP – Proverbs 8:12-17)

13 These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth. ... 21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped as he leaned on his staff.  NLT
OBSERVATION:
Today’s Focus Verse(s): Hebrews 11:13 and 21

The author of Hebrews writes of those who not only lived by faith but “died in faith without ever receiving the things promised.” Consider Jacob, who was told that he would become a great nation, but at a time very near his death he still had not seen this come to pass. Yet, like his fathers before him – he still believes and prepares for death by passing the blessing on to the generations coming behind him. The author of Hebrews makes it clear that the faith of God’s people was always looking forward to what they could not see but chose to trust was coming. This is the faith we are meant to have, which is why the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about walking by faith and not by sight.

For we walk by faith and not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7

THE GENESIS SAGA:

Jacob had lived in Egypt for seventeen years now and was 147 years old. Scripture says, “The time for Israel to die …” After securing Joseph’s promise to bury him – not in Egypt – but in his own burial place the time came when Jacob told Joseph that his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, would be like his own. Shortly after this, he pronounced a blessing on the boys. However, even though Joseph took great care to place the boys in a position that would have ensured Jacob’s blessing on the older – he looked up to find that for some reason Jacob had crossed his hands and had pronounced the blessing belonging to the oldest son, Manasseh, on Ephraim. Jacob let Joseph know it wasn’t a mistake that the younger would be greater, but assured him that the boys would both become great nations.

Other Notable Observations:

The other verses included into today’s journey point us to trusting and respecting that God is in complete and perfect control of all things.

APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

We are to walk, worship, and pray by FAITH, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

We would do well to remember that TRUST > SIGHT

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, thank You for the saints who have gone before us. Help us to walk by faith – in Jesus’ Name! – Amen

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • In what area of your life is it easiest for you to trust God?
  • In what area of your life is it most difficult for you to trust God?
  • Why is it necessary to submit to God’s plans when they are different from yours?
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

The Wisdom and Power of God

Posted on by
WEEK 6, DAY 1 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 46:31-47:27 (SOAP – Proverbs 8:12-17)

By me kings reign,
and by me potentates decree righteousness;
16 by me princes rule,
as well as nobles and all righteous judges.
17 I will love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently will find me.  NLT
OBSERVATION:
Today’s Focus Verse(s): Proverbs 8:15-17

In case you’ve ever wondered who appoints kings and rulers of all sorts, God’s Word makes it crystal clear – it is unquestionably Him. Joseph is a prime example, a 17-year-old boy who was sold into slavery, wrongly accused and thrown into a dungeon, forgotten about, and yet somehow rose to be the second in command over all of Egypt.

  • It is also helpful to understand that wisdom is a capacity to make godly decisions based on knowledge, and that God is the true source of the wisdom referred to in this passage.
  • We see this wisdom in Joseph through the span of his time in Egypt, both in the way he handles the tragic situations of his life, as well as in the interpretation and advice concerning Pharaoh’s dream and the handling of the famine.

THE GENESIS SAGA:

Picking up where we left off, Joseph has just been reunited with his father and now begins to advise his family on the next steps, which will be appearing before Pharaoh and appealing to him for the family to settle in the land of Goshen. Pharaoh is pleased to settle Joseph’s family in the best region of the land, the land of Goshen. While the land of Canaan wasted away due to the famine Jacob and his household were well provided for because God, in His sovereign goodness, had placed Joseph in a position to provide enough food for them all.

 Israel [Jacob’s household] settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen, and they owned land there. They were fruitful and increased rapidly in number.

Genesis 47:27 NLT

Things do not go as well for the Canaanites and Egyptians who were forced by the severity of the famine to use their money to buy grain that Joseph had stockpiled for this purpose. When their money was gone they were forced to exchange their animals for grain from Joseph, and eventually they were so desperate that they gave their land and themselves, as slaves to Pharaoh, in exchange for food. As Joseph’s family enjoyed the blessings of his position under Pharaoh, Pharaoh enjoyed the blessing of Joseph’s management that resulted in his acquisition of all of the animals, the land (with the exception of the portion belonging to the priests), and the people. It should also be noted that while the cost of the famine had a great and lasting affect on the people of Egypt and Canaan, they were provided for and expressed thankfulness to Joseph for saving their lives and showing them favor by allowing them to still farm the land and eat from it.

Other Notable Observation(s):

When we read that “Israel settled in the land of Egypt” (27) , we must remember that this is referring to Jacob and his family; however, the name is also the identity of the nation that God has promised will one day come from Jacob.

APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

Whether we like, or appreciate, or agree with our ‘rulers’ – we must not forget that they are appointed by God –

The ones who seek Him and love Him will know His guidance.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, thank You for Your sovereign control and wisdom. Help us to seek you and love You so that we will know Your guidance and be able to make godly decisions based on the knowledge we receive from You. True wisdom is from You, and James wrote that You give liberally to all who ask for it, may we not neglect this awesome privilege.

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • Why is it important for God’s leaders to have wisdom?
  • How can you lead with wisdom today?
  • How can you also humble yourself and submit to the authorities God has placed in your life?
Want More?

Visit Love God Greatly for their latest blog or to go global with them in their effort to reach every tribe, nation, and tongue with the Word of God –

Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

Choosing God Instead of the World: Looking Ahead to Week-6

Posted on by

A Love God Greatly Study

THE FEATURE VERSE

This week’s feature verse comes from day 4, and is found in Genesis 50:20. This most likely sounds familiar and should since Joseph said something very similar in chapter 45 verse 5. 

But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.  Genesis 45:5  NLT
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. 
He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.  Genesis 50:20 NLT

Notice, while Joseph still credits God with the power and purpose, his words are a little more specific this time concerning the brother’s actions. Earlier he states that the brothers sold him (45:5), yet here he says that they meant it for evil. I believe he restates their true role in order to make the pointed contrast that God meant it all for good (50:20). He clearly makes the point that God is in complete control. The commentary by Bibleref.com explains it like this – “Joseph insists that God’s power and God’s plan for His people are more powerful than the ability of mere human beings to do evil to each other. He is convinced that not only was God ultimately responsible for allowing the evil act to happen, but He also mysteriously built it into a larger plan to save His people—and many others—from the ravages of a deadly drought.“1

1Bibleref.com @ What does Genesis 50:20 mean?

CHALLENGE

Jacob displayed great faith in God’s promises even though he ddi not see them fully realized in his lifetime. This week, take time to find a few verses about God’s promises for His people. Write them on a notecard and place them around your home to remind you of God’s faithfulness and promise-keeping character.

  • Extended Challenge: Share at least one of the verses you find in the comments or with someone you know.
OUR MEMORY VERSE
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

The Reality of the Dream

Posted on by

Choosing God Instead of the World – Recap of Week-5

A Love God Greatly Study

REFLECTIONS

We first heard about Joseph when God “enabled Rachel to become pregnant” and give birth to a son in chapter thirty. However, we didn’t really become acquainted with him until he was seventeen years old and dreaming dreams that seemed to imply that one day he would be in authority over his family and they would be bowing down to him. In our journey this week we have seen the reality of this dream not once but twice. We have seen the beauty of God’s sovereign control positioning Joseph just where he needed to be. We have witnessed Joseph’s raw emotions, we’ve watched battles with forgiveness, anger, sorrow, and fears, and we have seen bold steps of faith and surrender. Through it all we have seen God work in ways unimaginable to man as He positioned not just Joseph but his family and eventually the “nation of Israel” exactly where they were meant to be. Oh how I hope that you are enjoying this journey and the history of God’s people and our faith. I pray that you are finding hope for your battles – in seeing that God is in control, working everything completely and perfectly together for His people and purpose.

*I invite you to message me if you do not know know Jesus as your Savior, or if you have questions concerning faith

PREVIEW: Week-6

During our final week we will continue to explore the reasons, ways, and benefits of Choosing God Instead Of The World . We will travel the rest of the way through Genesis forty-six and complete the journey in chapter fifty with a few detours through other Old and New Testament passages. May He open our hearts and minds to see Him all along the way.

IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE POSTS or LGG Blogs YOU’LL FIND THE LINKS BELOW.

The Brothers Go Down to Egypt: https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2022/08/14/7563/

Affection for His Betrayers: https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2022/08/15/7580/

Love One Another: https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2022/08/16/7598/

For God Sent Me: https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2022/08/17/7607/

Here I Am: https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2022/08/18/7620/

Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

For God Sent Me –

Posted on by
WEEK 5, DAY 4 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 45:1-15 (SOAP – Genesis 45:5)

But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.   NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA: Joseph Reveals His Identity

After Judah’s plea and offer to exchange his life for Benjamin’s and his father’s, Joseph could no longer keep the secret of his identity hidden. When he had made sure that they were alone – he announced, “I am Joseph! Is my brother still alive?” The brothers were confused and gave no answer, so he said again, “I am Joseph your brother,” this time adding – “whom you sold into Egypt.” While Joseph clearly acknowledges the brothers’ part in the way his life turned out he gives God all the credit. I doubt that this was an effort of Joseph to whitewash the brothers’ betrayal, but to let them know that that God was in perfect control and had blessed Joseph despite their evil act. It was God who positioned him to rule over Egypt and God who positioned him to provide life for them, He explains to them how God had used their act of selling him to preserve their lives by making him advisor to Pharaoh, lord over all his household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Other Notable Observations:
  • Joseph immediately puts the brothers at ease rather than throwing blame and making them feel bad. (5)
  • He explains how the famine will play out and assures them that it was God who sent him ahead of them in order to save their lives (7)
  • Joseph sends the brothers back to Canaan to bring Jacob to Egypt, so that Joseph can provide for him and his whole household, and everyone who belongs to him. (9-12)
  • Joseph wept over his brothers and they talked with one another. (13-15)
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

Again, it seems there is much we can learn from Joseph, including not throwing blame or making others feel badly for their wrongs but especially giving God all the credit that He is due, as we read in the soap verse. This is true even for ourselves. We would be wise to not look at any given situation and say look what I have done, look what I have become, or accomplished, or what ‘that person’ became because of me. Surely we can celebrate what God has helped us to accomplish at school, or work, or in life, for ourselves or for others – but we put ourselves in danger when it becomes about us and not what God has helped us accomplish. It can lead to pridefulness that may turn us to choose the world’s way instead of God’s. Instead let us To steer clear of the pitfalls of pride we would do well to deflect all praise to God as Joseph did and to set aside time daily to point our own minds to remembering what God has done for us.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, thank You for being in complete control. Thank You for using us as Your instruments to accomplish Your will and for reminding us to give You all the glory and honor due Your Holy Name. Let Your praise always be on our lips and Your goodness always on our minds. Guard us from pridefulness and boasting in ourselves. These things I pray in Jesus’ name and power – Amen!

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • How is a willingness to forgive related to an understanding of God’s sovereignty?
  • Is there anyone you need to forgive or seek reconciliation with today?
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

Love One Another

Posted on by

WEEK 5, DAY 3 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 44; John 15:12-13; 1 John 1:8-2:2 (SOAP – John 15:12-13)

12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA:

Joseph is still not ready to reveal his true identity to the brothers but is obviously wanting to keep Benjamin with him and continue to show compassion to the brothers and Jacob. However, Judah and the brothers are committed to keeping Benjamin safe and from causing their father further grief, so they replay the scenario to Joseph and plead for him to understand and relent.

Judah shows great sacrificial love by offering himself in the place of Benjamin, not just for the sake of Benjamin but in order that Jacob would not suffer more grief.

Me – from the Inside-out –
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

Today’s focus passage and application might appear to be simple – “Love one another”. Yet, the passage doesn’t stop there, nor should we. To truly understand how to apply today’s passages we must read the entire focus passage from John 15:12-13 – “My commandment is this – to love one another just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this — that one lays down his life for his friends.” We see this played out in the life of Jesus, who loved us so much that He laid down His life for us – vile, guilty sinners, enemies of His Father, We also see a similar love offered by Judah on behalf of his father Benjamin. In light of this, how then should we live? We should not simply love one another but we should “Love one another, just as Christ has loved us.” (John 13:34)

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, please help us to love like Jesus. I confess it, most often, seems like an impossible application but I remember the words of Jesus to His early disciples – “with man [this] is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”Matt 19:26 This truth, fittingly applied to all Scriptures that teach seemingly impossible tasks for man, brings much hope. May Your Spirit in us produce this Love and all else You have called us to do in Jesus’ name. – Amen –

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

  • Why is self-sacrifice the greatest display of love?
  • How was Judah’s willingness to sacrifice himself for Benjamin a foreshadowing of what as to come in Christ?
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

Affection for His Betrayers

Posted on by
WEEK 5, DAY 2 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 43 (SOAP – 1 Peter 3:8-9)

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.  NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA: Joseph, Overcome By Affection

In our last reading Jacob had refused to let Benjamin return with the brothers even though Simeon would be held prisoner until they did. Some time passed, the famine grew worse and the food and supplies they had brought from Egypt were now gone. The brothers had another conversation with Jacob and he relented, ultimately laying aside fear’s grip on him and trusting in the mercy of His God.

When Joseph saw Benjamin was with them he arranged for them to be brought to his house for the noon meal. When they were brought before Joseph, again they bowed before him. Joseph spoke with them, inquiring about their father and asking if the one they had brought with them was indeed their youngest brother, (this must have been to keep up his pretense of not knowing who they were). When Joseph greeted Benjamin he was overcome with affection for him and had to leave the room. Scripture says, he wept in his room before returning to the brothers and enjoying the meal that had been prepared for them.

Other Notable Observations:
  • The brothers were still fearful. (18)
  • They were honest concerning the money that they had found in their sacks. (19-22)
  • Simeon was returned, as promised. (23)
Today’s Focus Passage:

Remember, on their previous visit with Joseph he had been harsh and demanding toward them. Yet, on their return there is clearly a change in his demeanor – a humbleness that led him to have them brought to his home for a meal and undoubtedly to the affections and brokenness that overcame him when he was able to speak to Benjamin. What follows is an example for us of the words we find in 1 Peter 3:8-9, where believers are urged specifically not to repay evil for evil or insult for insult. Joseph not only resisted repaying evil for evil but we also see evidence of the other qualities mentioned. He was no longer harsh but spoke to them in a way that welcomed harmony, as he showed compassion, sympathetic concern and affection so great that the brothers “bowed down in humility” and Joseph had to leave the room because he was overcome by his emotions.

APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

Now that we’ve revisited Joseph’s story and his actions towards his brothers, reread 1 Peter 3:8-9 again. As you read, underline or make note of those things that remind you of Joseph’s actions toward his brother. I think you will find Joseph to be a wonderful example of how Peter encouraged the new testament believers to live.

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

1 Peter 3:8-9 NLT

In light of these two passages and Paul’s words to Timothy that all Scripture is useful for training in righteousness, I believe we have a clear answer as to how we are to live. Like Joseph, we should be harmonious, unified around one way of thinking – namely “the way of Jesus”. We should be sympathetic and compassionate, truly caring about our fellow believers and showing them kindness – even those who have hurt us or others we love. We are to be affectionate, showing ‘brotherly love’ to all believers; and as Joseph so clearly demonstrated, we should be humble – putting others above ourselves, making Christ and them the focus of our attention.

PRAYER: RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD.

Father, surely it is not easy to show love and kindness or to be sympathetic to those who have hurt us – but You have given us a perfect example in Joseph. Help us to be full of compassion, tenderhearted and forgiving as You are with us. Guide us in loving and living like Jesus – stir our affections to align with Yours so that others will see and know You and Your love in us. – To Your Glory – Amen!

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • How can you develop responsibility, honesty, unity, faith, and gratitude?
  • How do these characteristics bless the body of Christ?