God Speaks
Egyptian Official Joseph Tests His Brothers’ Character
Verse of the Day: [Joseph came to understand God’s purpose in his suffering.] “. . . because it was to save lives that 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.” (Genesis 45:5-8)
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We Respond
Reflection.
Consider the following questions regarding Genesis 43-45
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Genesis 43
1. God Almighty is the ultimate supplier of all our needs.
2. People need to provide for their families while depending on God’s merciful provision.
Genesis 44
1. God sometimes sets up situations to test our faith and character. Will we do what is right when under pressure?
2. People should take responsibility for their actions and defend those who are being abused or wrongly accused.
Genesis 45
1. God the Son, Jesus came to earth, lived, died and rose again so that all who will believe can be saved and have eternal life.
2. People should forgive and seek to reconcile with those who have wronged them.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding Genesis 43-45?
Dear loving and gracious God, thank You for all that You have provided for me, everything I need for life and godliness. Please help me to take responsibility for my actions and to defend those who are being abused or wrongly accused. Lead me to someone with whom I can share that Jesus came to earth, lived, died and rose again so that. if they will believe, they can be saved and have eternal life. Your love shines through when people are reconciled to You and when they are reconciled to each other. This will bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Genesis 43-45? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will thank God for all He has provided for me in the past 24 hours.
- I will ask the Holy Spirit for the strength and courage to pass the tests of life.
- I will discuss with God what He wants me to do in regard to defending those who cannot defend themselves.
- I will forgive and seek to reconcile with someone who has wronged me.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.