Christ Church Daily Devotion April 23 2024

Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers, who had sold him into slavery. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph tells them that God had a plan for his life and that his position in Egypt was part of that plan. Joseph urges his brothers to bring their father and their families to live in Egypt to survive the upcoming famine. Joseph's story shows how God works in our lives, even in difficult times. We should share our experiences of God's faithfulness with others. Welcome to Christchurch's Daily Devotion for April 23, 2024. Today we will be reading from Genesis, chapter 45, verses 3 through 15. Joseph said to his brothers, I am Joseph. Is my father still living? But his brothers were not able to answer him because they were terrified at his presence. And Joseph said to his brothers, Come close to me. When they had done so, he said, I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. And now do you not be distressed, and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. Now hurry back to my father and say to him, This is what your son Joseph says. God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me. Don't delay. You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me. You, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise, you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute. You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen, and bring my father down here quickly. Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept. And Benjamin embraced him, weeping, and he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward, his brothers talked with him. Joseph's story contains all the drama of a reality television show. In a shocking revelation, he exposed the truth about what had become of him. The misfit whom his brothers had sold into slavery was now a powerful ruler in Egypt. What would happen now that the tables had turned and Joseph was in control? His brothers, who had plotted his death, were now at his mercy. The brothers were terrified, unable even to answer Joseph. They had lived their lives in guilt and shame, and now came the moment of truth. Fortunately for the brothers, Joseph was focused not on revenge, but on how God had been at work in his life all along. Joseph had had some time to consider his situation, and his conclusion was this, God put me here and he has a plan for my life. Joseph could see how the difficulties in his life prepared him for the leadership position he now had. He could see how God had protected and guided him through all his experiences. How has God been at work in your life, even in devastating times? As we mentor others, we share glimpses we have seen of God's faithfulness in our lives, equipping us for the challenges we have faced. God uses both the good and the bad, for the greater good and for his glory. Tell someone today how God is working in your life. Your personal worship option, Lord, thank you for giving us glimpses into your work and in and through our lives. Thanks for using even difficult challenges for your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.