The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Genesis 44-46
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 1: The People: God calls a covenant people
Background Information: Genesis 44-46
This is one of the most moving stories in the Bible. Just contemplate for a moment what it was like for Joseph to see his brothers trembling in fear before him, not knowing who he was. Imagine how a man, whose will and heart had not been tempered by God-ordained suffering, would have responded. Other men in history in similar situations brought terrible wrath and revenge on the ones who had wronged them. This Joseph is a very different man than the young cocky version of himself who had boasted of his future. Little then did Joseph know what he would endure to become a man useful for God’s purposes. Joseph tested his brothers in order to see if they had changed. Even if they had not changed, Joseph knew hearts could change… his had. He saw in his brother Judah’s willingness to sacrifice his life for his youngest brother the evidence that his brothers too had changed. Two phrases describe Joseph’s changed perspective with clarity and brevity, “The one you sold…” and “God sent me…” (45:4,5) Here again we see God’s sovereignty using even human evil to bring about his purposes. This is no excuse for human evil, but it is comfort in the face of evil. God’s purposes will prevail, of this we can be certain
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Ask God to direct the leaders of our country and to give them wisdom. Ask God for protection for them and for a safe transition as President Trump is inaugurated on Monday.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.