READING:
One-year plan: Genesis 44-47
Two-year plan: Ezra 2:32-4:5, Acts 10:34-43
———
In today’s text, we’re reminded that Joseph recognized God’s hand in his life in Egypt. When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers in Genesis 45, he framed his words in terms of, “God sent me ahead of you to preserve life . . . . to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Gen 45:5, 7-8).
The wording is really quite striking to me. Joseph arrived in Egypt because God sent him there, but the means by which God sent him were brothers caught in jealousy and an Ishmaelite caravan who purchased Joseph for 20 pieces of silver. My guess is that had we first considered how God might send someone on such a journey, none of us would have come up with this plan. In no way would God have been pleased with the actions of Joseph’s brothers, but still He’s mighty enough to work through what others intend for evil. The brothers may have sold Joseph, but God sent him through the same event.
You and I can trust our God who is sovereign.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Where have you unexpectedly seen God’s hand in your life?
DAILY PRAYER: “Help me, Father, to trust You are sovereign over my life.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Genesis 48-50, Exodus 1-2
Two-year plan: Ezra 4:6-5:17, Acts 10:44-11:18
MEMORIZATION VERSE (JAN 16-31):
“A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way.” (Psa 37:23)
*portions first published in 2021
