Daily-Devotions

Jacob described the days of his life as few and evil. Does that sound familiar? Life as sinners in a fallen world often can be discouraging and painful. But, through all that trouble, the Lord tirelessly works to shape and mold us, so that, more and more, we learn to lean, not on our own wisdom strength, but upon the truth and mercy of our Savior God.

The nation of Israel now numbers only 66. But, as promised, the Lord will increase that number many times over in the coming centuries. That’s something like how the New Testament Church began with only a handful. But now God has increased it to a multitude from every nation, countless souls who have “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Here we have both a revelation and a reconciliation. Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, followed by a heart-warming reconciliation. So powerfully and wonderfully healing is the forgiving grace of God as it works in the hearts of His believers.

As a final test, Joseph’s silver cup is planted in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers are aghast that Benjamin may be killed. In Christ-like fashion, Judah pleads for the life of his brother, offering even to become a slave in exchange for Benjamin’s life. Praise God, a change of heart has taken place. Truly, the Lord wants all come to repentance and be saved.

With food running low, the brothers need to return to Egypt. Jacob is dead set against taking Benjamin, but Joseph had made it plain: no Benjamin, no grain. Joseph’s plan to stir the consciences of his brothers continues to bear fruit. What a painful blessing it is to honestly come face to face with our sin. For only then can true Gospel healing take place.

The chance for revenge falls right into Joseph’s lap when his brothers come to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph treats them roughly, but only to help them remember their past sins. Joseph cares about their spiritual welfare, and wants to help lead them toward repentance so they can be free of the burden of guilt they’ve been carrying for twenty years.

When Pharaoh has strange dreams, the butler finally remembers Joseph. Giving credit to God, Joseph explains the dreams. Seven years of plenty will be followed by seven years of famine. When Joseph wisely recommends that food be stored during the good years to get through the bad years, he is suddenly made prime minister of all Egypt. God’s plan for Joseph continues to unfold.

Joseph interprets the divinely sent dreams of the imprisoned butler and baker. He asks the soon-to-be set free butler to remember him to Pharaoh. The butler forgets, and Joseph remains in prison for two more years. But one thing is certain, the Lord never forgets His children. He always has a plan, but, like Joseph, we wait in faith for His plan to unfold.

Though now a slave, the Lord continues to be with Joseph, as he rises to chief overseer in the house of Potiphar. However, trouble comes when Potiphar’s wife has designs on Joseph. Joseph knows he’s made of flesh, and runs from the temptation. Just like their Lord, believers often suffer for doing right. Still, the Lord is there to see us through all our troubles.

Chapter 38 briefly steps away from Joseph to the sordid account of his brother Judah. Judah was a great-grandson of Abraham, the father of believers. But your family pedigree doesn’t save you. Each new generation needs to believe in the Savior for itself. But what a testament to God’s condescending love, that he would include Judah and Tamar in the Savior’s family tree. (Cf. Matthew 1:3)

Beginning with chapter 37, most of the rest of Genesis concerns Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph. It’s a sad chapter, warning us that sins of the heart, if not handled with repentance and God’s forgiveness, can explode into awful things, like murder. But as we read in coming chapters, God even causes great evil to work for the good of His people.

We might be tempted to gloss over chapter 36. It’s one of those long genealogy chapters in the Bible; and this family tree isn’t even one that relates directly to Jesus. Yet it’s a reminder that God cares for all peoples. Truly He wants all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.