Day 17
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| Jacob Blessing the Sons of Joseph, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1656 |
Observation
In contrast to his hectic early years, the last seventeen years of Jacob’s life in Egypt are peaceful. Prior to his death, he gives special blessing to the sons of Joseph. And on his deathbed, Jacob prophesies the destinies of his own sons and their descendants, specifying Judah as the next link in the Messianic line of promise
(49:1). The embalmed remains of Jacob are buried in accordance with his wishes, at Machpelah. Genesis closes with the death of Joseph, who charges, in faith, that his bones be returned to the land of promise when God sees fit to come to the aid of his people.
Application
“I know what you are going to say. You are going to tell me I must forgive him. Well, I just don’t think I can.”
Words can’t do justice to the pain experienced by one who has been betrayed. Trials in life are never pleasant. But the blow that does the greatest damage is one that comes from a brother. It’s so unfair. Worse yet, it’s unchristian. But it happens. And you need to be able to cope with it.
How many Christians do you know who are poisoned by bitterness? Are you one of them? Take a careful look at Joseph and his experiences. Injustice? Repeatedly. Opportunity for revenge? Certainly. Bitterness? None. Why? Because Joseph was convinced that God’s hand directed his life. He had an inner assurance that God would bring good out of his circumstances—if he remained faithful and patient.
Genesis 50:20 is more than good advice, it is the key to turning bitterness into blessing in your own walk with God. Don’t close your Bible today until you, like Joseph can say from the heart, “God turned into good what you meant for evil.”
Words can’t do justice to the pain experienced by one who has been betrayed. Trials in life are never pleasant. But the blow that does the greatest damage is one that comes from a brother. It’s so unfair. Worse yet, it’s unchristian. But it happens. And you need to be able to cope with it.
How many Christians do you know who are poisoned by bitterness? Are you one of them? Take a careful look at Joseph and his experiences. Injustice? Repeatedly. Opportunity for revenge? Certainly. Bitterness? None. Why? Because Joseph was convinced that God’s hand directed his life. He had an inner assurance that God would bring good out of his circumstances—if he remained faithful and patient.
Genesis 50:20 is more than good advice, it is the key to turning bitterness into blessing in your own walk with God. Don’t close your Bible today until you, like Joseph can say from the heart, “God turned into good what you meant for evil.”
Prayer
Lord, let us know in our spirit that you are working evil done to us in our favor, so we can say with confidence that you will turn into good what our enemies meant for evil. Let us have a forgiving heart towards those that wronged us, and we pray that you bless them as well. In Jesus name, amen!
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| Joseph with his father Jacob and brothers in Egypt, Painters of Sultan Murad III - Zubdat-al Tawarikh (Illustrated manuscript) |
