Joseph‘s steward responds kindly to the brothers‘ apologetic explanation
regarding the silver. - P40
He even reassures them by declaring that the Godof their father has given them the treasure through a miracle. - P40
We can only assume that Joseph had
spoken to this Egyptian about the God ofhis fathers and His miracle-working power. - P40
This ought to encourage usto speak boldly about God to those He has placed in our lives even iftheir cultural or religious
background seems antithetical to the
Christian faith. - P40
Let us not be afraid to tell others what God has done for us
through His Son, Jesus Christ. - P40
We can trust that in His timing, God will
open the hearts of those He has called to Himself. - P40
Dear God, in this dark and broken world, use my voice to speak truth and love.
- P40
Give me the humility of Christ that I may live in the light and declare Your good-ness to everyone around me. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P40
29 As he looked about and saw his brother Benjamin,
his own mother‘s son, he asked, "Is this your youngestbrother, the one you told me about?" And he said, "Godbe gracious to you, my son." - P44
30 Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hur-ried out and looked for a place to weep. He went intohis private room and weptthere. - P45
34 When portions were served to them from Joseph‘stable, Benjamin‘s portion was five times as much asanyone else‘s. So they feasted and drank freely with him. - P45
Joseph is unable to control his emotions at the sight of his youngestbrother. He is overwhelmed with love for him and demonstrates this byoffering Benjamin a much larger portion of food than everyone else. - P46
Asthe men sit down for a meal, the text emphasizes the distinctions thatexist between the Egyptians, the Hebrew sons of Jacob, and Joseph‘s beloved brother, Benjamin. - P46
It is a small sample of the many divisions andhierarchies that typically exist in society: each person sits in their properplace depending on their age, wealth, ethnicity, religion, etc. - P46
Everyonewho is invited to God‘s table, however, will be treated like Benjamin.
- P46
Out of His great love, God pours out His generous favor and blessingsupon those He has chosen. - P46
Our almighty Lord and Creator invites usinto intimate fellowship where we can enjoy the privilege of feastingand drinking with Him freely. - P46
In Ethiopia, protestant Christians face persecution not only from Islamic extremists butalso from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, depending on the region in which they live. - P46
Theongoing violent conflict in the Tigray Region has made Christians even more vulnerable toattack, with many believers killed and churches destroyed. - P46
The country has also been severelyaffected by droughts and plagues. Pray that God would give the Ethiopian government thewisdom it needs to lead the country toward peace and stability. - P46
The Minangkabau people (also called the Minang) come from the West Sumatra Provinceof Indonesia. They are known for their tradition of "merantau," in which they leave theirhome and travel to a distant place to seek success. - P46
Many Minangkabau have moved to otherislands in Indonesia to accomplish this. Most Minangkabau are orthodox Muslims, and thosewho leave Islam risk losing their families and jobs. There are very few Christians among theMinangkabau. - P46
Ask the Lord to move mightily in this people group and to establish His churchamong the Minangkabau. - P46
Dear Jesus, You have commanded us to love one another and show that lovein words and actions. Teach us to love in the same way You have loved us. InYour name, amen. - P47
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