Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday January 15, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis. Please read, Genesis 43-45. In today's lesson we will read and learn about Jacob's sons returning to Egypt for food; Jacob is forced to send Benjamin; and Joseph makes himself known to his brothers.

During the great famine, Jacob was forced to send his sons to Egypt to buy food. As the second most powerful ruler of Egypt spoke to them through an interpreter, they were unaware that he was their brother Joseph whom they had sold into slavery over 20 years earlier.

After questioning them about their family, Joseph had his brothers imprisoned for three days to test and to develop their integrity. During their stay in prison, they recalled how their younger brother Joseph had pleaded with them not to be sold as a slave to the Ishmaelite traders on their way to Egypt. Now, in an Egyptian prison, they humbly confessed what a terrible act of cruelty they had committed. When Jacob's sons returned home without Simeon, he was told of the ruler's demand to bring his youngest son Benjamin to Egypt before they could buy any more food. Jacob was deeply distressed, and said he would not let his son go down with him. However, as their food supply depleted and the famine continued, he had no choice but to let Benjamin return with his brothers to Egypt. (See Genesis 42).

They arrived and Joseph demanded that his brothers come to his home. Imagine their shock when he spoke in their Hebrew language and said that I am your brother. "Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life." (45:1-4).

The graciousness of Joseph's forgiveness may be observed as he diverted their attention from themselves and from any self-condemnation of past sins when he said not to be grieved or be angry with themselves. He was concerned that his brothers enjoy his fellowship and the abundance of God's provisions rather than bring up old past wounds. One of the great needs today among Christians is to demonstrate the spirit of Joseph. When one knows the God as Joseph did it really doesn't matter that we are misunderstood, unjustly maligned, or cruelly abused. We have a strong and All Mighty God that can carry us through and bless us abundantly as we stay faithful to Him.

For years, Joseph's brothers had deceived their father and had escaped all accountability for their cruel sin against Joseph. Now they were forced to confess to their father what they had done. "And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father, And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not. And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived: And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die." (45:25-28).

Although God used their wickedness to fulfill His will, this did not lessen their guilt. But, regardless of how cruel someone has been you must forgive them just as God has fogiven you for your sins. I know it can be hard to forgive someone that hurt you, however, in doing so you will not also be at peace you are giving it all over to God to handle and believe me, God will take care of them for you. God will never forsake His children.

The attitude of this world is revenge when someone offends us, but Jesus teaches us the importance of forgiveness. There are no accidents with God; instead, he moves us according to His purpose for our lives. Avoid the poison of bitterness by realizing the Lord is working through your offenders and your circumstances to express His love.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through Joseph's dealings with his brothers. Christ deals with us in such a way as to bring about our confession of sin and a recognition of His forgiving love. In a similar way, He reveals His sovereignty over the affairs of life

Today's Psalm: (86:5)
"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a new day and thank you for the many blessings you give me. Thank you for being such a gracious God. Forgive us of our sins, Father. Jesus, wash us white as snow. Thank you for your mercy. Daily, we want to turn away from the ways of this world, our own ways, and we turn toward you and your ways. We are your children. We receive your blessings and favor. Please help us to forgive those who have hurt us so that we may accept your blessings. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day! May the day be filled with many unexpected blessings. 
God Bless you,
Christina

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