6 Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the personwho sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph‘s broth-ers arrived,
they bowed down to him with their faces tothe ground. - P22
8 Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did notrecognize him. - P22
14 Joseph said to them, "It is just as I told you: You arespies! 15 And this is how you will be tested: As surelyas Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unlessyour youngest brother comes here. 16 Send one of yournumber to get your brother; the rest of you will be keptin prison, so that your words may be tested to see if youare telling the truth. If you are not, then as surely asPharaoh lives, you are spies!" 17 And he put them all incustody for three days. - P23
Jacob sends all of his sons, except Benjamin, to Egypt to buy grain.
Joseph immediately recognizes them but conceals his identity, speakingharshly to them. - P24
We may wonder what motivates the tone he chooses perhaps he wants to punish
them, or simply lashes out in anger.
- P24
Whatever his reasons might be, Joseph is likely filled with a myriad ofcomplex emotions upon seeing the brothers who sold him into slavery.
- P24
Many of us go through life nursing emotional wounds and trauma wehave not properly resolved. - P24
But if we hold on to the hurt that has beeninflicted on us, this will likely lead us to hurt others. - P24
Let us surrenderour broken hearts to God and ask for His love to restore our souls. - P24
When Joseph remembers his dreams about his brothers bowing beforehim, he repeatedly accuses them of being spies. - P24
Perhaps the memory ofhis dreams emboldens him to exert his power and test how his brothersreact under extreme pressure. - P24
One thing that is for certain is that Josephwants to see his youngest brother, and he uses his authority to ensurethat Benjamin is brought to him. - P24
As we consider how we can best servethe Lord and advance His kingdom, we should also leverage the gifts,
abilities, and opportunities that God has given us to maximize oureffectiveness. - P24
Let us seize every chance we have to achieve the kingdomgoals that God has placed on our hearts. - P24
God has given us His promises to standon so we can win the many battles we face against temptation. - P25
But ifwe are to stand firm, we must read, know, and familiarize ourselveswith those promises.
- P25
In Genesis 42, as Joseph faces his estranged brothers, Scripture pointsout that "he remembered his dreams about them" (v. 9). - P25
I have nodoubt that throughout his years of slavery and imprisonment, Joseph‘smind often clung to the promises God had revealed to his fathers aswell as his own dreams. - P25
What battles are you currently facing? Re-member what God has promised to you and stand firm in His Word. - P25
Lord God, I surrender my hurts and struggles to You. - P25
Heal me, Lord, so that Ican make the most of every opportunity to serve You and Your kingdom. InJesus‘ name, amen. - P25
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