In chapter 45 Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. The brothers are astonished and terrified at the same time. Joseph assures them that he is not seeking revenge. Joseph tells them that the bad things that happened to him were all part of God’s plan. Joseph is interested in being reconciled with his full brother Benjamin, and also he wants to see his father Jacob again. He gives all of his brothers’ gifts, and sends luxurious gifts to his father Jacob. This account reminds me that God uses bad things in our lives to work His purpose. Rather than bemoaning bad events we need to be working to see how God is working through them. Our true character comes through during difficult times.
Verse 24 has an interesting admonition from Joseph. He tells them, “Don’t quarrel along the way.” Quarreling seems to be a real temptation for siblings. Yet, it is this quarreling that causes family squabbles. Joseph realized that the thing that could ruin this reunion and possibly the plans God has for Israel is for his brothers to start quarreling again. This is a lesson that needs to be learned in our families and our churches today. God cannot do his work as long as quarreling, grumbling and power plays are prevalent. We need to remember that it takes to two to quarrel and we need to not participate.
“Lord, thank You for working everything for Your purpose. Keep us encouraged in the difficult times. Please forgive us when we quarrel and help us to mature beyond the need to always be right. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”
About Me
- Robert and Ray Miller
- Robert is the pastor of First Baptist Texas City, Tx. And Ray is the pastor of First Baptist Mertens, Tx. Robert brings over 30 years of biblical study as a pastor. Ray brings a younger perspective to the Bible and also a command of the original languages. Our greatest passion is to see lives changed through the good news of Jesus Christ.
1 comment:
Joseph's love for the brothers who so mistreated him is so evident in this chapter. I believe that only through love for one another can we ever overcome the mistreatments and injustices which we encounter - even from our friends and family.
The commentary today about quarreling is so right. Often quarreling is spurred by our need to the center of things and it is when we can, as Christ desires, put others above ourselves that the need to quarrel and wear our feelings on our sleeve is overcome.
"Father, help me to seek unity and to always be aware of the need to "not think more highly of myself" than I should."
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