December 1, 2023

Passage Read: Genesis 41-44
Meditation Verses: 42:21-22

Thought

It is no small thing to hate a brother so much you'd consider killing him, even though in the end you only sold him into slavery. Who knows what would become of the brother you sell into slavery? Joseph was protected by God, though a slave for many years in a powerful man's house, then imprisoned for at least two years in a prison for high level offenders. All things considered, he had it pretty good. But his brothers didn't know that. Anything could have happened to Joseph; he could have been killed! And they were embittered enough against him that they didn't care at the time. Now Joseph puts them through a little distress, and they recognize that they are being repaid for their mistreatment of their brother. Little do they know that they've just fulfilled the first of Joseph's dreams!

Application

Surely Joseph had been tempted to be bitter against his brothers for all the things that had happened to him. But by now it was surely dawning on him that God has worked out all these circumstances to bring about the saving of his family and many other people, and to exalt Joseph far higher than he could have imagined from his dreams. Surely by now he was past any possible bitterness. God had taken good care of him in all his circumstances. In reality, I too have enjoyed amazing favor and blessing from God, even if others might look on my circumstances as difficult. I have nothing to be bitter about. Whether in low estate or high, God has always blessed and provided for me. Even when serving in low positions, I have enjoyed favor and been able to take joy in the work I was given to accomplish. In truth, I'd rather be in a low position with little significant responsibility, than be in a position of great responsibility and have to carry that weight at all times.