January 21

Genesis 42:18-43:34, Matthew 13:47-14:12, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 4:7-10

Pray: We can’t always change our circumstances for they are often beyond our control. But, we can choose how we respond to our circumstances. As we pray today why not ask God to reveal to us this very truth as we read the story of Joseph, his brothers and father. Moreover, let us visit the rejection of Jesus in His own home town of Nazareth. Maybe we can identify more than we first thought with today’s reading.

Read: Jesus is able to do much more than the people have faith for. They immediately try to discredit Jesus because He is from Nazareth, just because of His teaching and watching His miracle. Why is it that we often find it hard to believe a movement of God when it is going on right in front of us?

Edify: Joseph has now vetted his brothers to see if they have increased in their selfishness or if they somehow have changed. When they take such good care of Benjamin, then Joseph knows that they now care a little more for their father and brother than they did for Joseph years earlier. He even sits a table of food before them as they dine with the very brother they betrayed. Often you may be asked, “Could you forgive someone who has sinned against you like Joseph did?” The greater question is this: “Could you receive the forgiveness for all that God has done for you? Could you forgive yourself for sins against others?”

Practice: Trust is earned and rarely given in large supplies. Joseph gives his brothers a large amount of trust and requires that they trust him and that Joseph would not seek revenge. Joseph is healthy and is willing to dine with his brothers. Could you sit down and fellowship with those who have lied about you or engaged in character assassination? Why not start with coffee or a snack?