Genesis 50 records the burial of Jacob and the death of Joseph. It also has one of the great verses in the Bible. After Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers were scared that he would take revenge on them. Joseph’s response reflects truths that all of us should live. “But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?’ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Many have called this the Romans 8:28 of the Old Testament. It is hard for me to admit, but the times I have grown the most as a Christian has been when people have hurt me and even slandered my character and during tough times. It is at those times that I have really learned how to walk in faith and learned how to forgive. The disciplines of prayer, Bible study, fasting, giving and attending church are all essential to a growing believer, but there is another one that is needed as well. That is suffering. The only way to become a true believer is to go through the fire.
Lord, help us to be grateful in the hard times. For we know that You will bring us through them stronger. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
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We end Genesis with the burial of Jacob and the death and burial of Joseph.
Joseph's last act was to forgive his brothers. What an amazing life he lived - so full of troubles and suffering, but fulled still of great triumphs and the saving of many lives of not only Egyptians but also of his own family.
My prayer, today, is that my life may also be one of redemption for those who have known me. I pray I will humbly allow God to use me, even in the midst of personal trials.
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