A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
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to this ministry"Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, '__________________'" (Genesis 45:24).
One
of the great blessings in a family is getting along. A part of honoring
our parents is having a harmonious relationship among the siblings. I
came across this photo in Mom's collection of my two older brothers and
me at a family reunion several years ago in Colorado. It scanned rather
grainy but it's especially meaningful that on the back she had written
and underlined "My 3 Sons." It was among her large collection of
fridge photos.Now that both she and my dad have gone on to be with the Lord I believe that I, along with my brothers and sister, continue to honor them with our continued efforts at harmony. We will all be together again in early April when we have a service for Mom in Missouri. She had family unable to attend her service here in Pennsylvania in November following her death that will join us.
Joseph is one of the Bible's greatest characters. Many have noted numerous similarities in his life and that of Christ. His jealous brothers planned to kill him, but were persuaded to sell him as a slave. He ended up in Egypt and had a series of victories and setbacks. Eventually he serves as the Prime Minister to Pharaoh as he prepares the nation for a famine by storing grain for seven fruitful years.
When the famine finally hits, under Joseph's leadership the nation was prepared. However the famine affected other nations in the region, as well, and Joseph's brothers eventually came to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognized his brothers immediately but they didn't recognize him. The events described in the next several chapters are both sad and humorous. Eventually he reveals to his brothers who he is; they have a wonderful reunion and he sends them back to bring his father and entire household to Egypt.
As Joseph sends them off he gives them a departing word of exhortation. I have purposefully left this charge blank in the daily Scripture portion. Do you recall what he said? I smile as I read it and consider how appropriate and timeless his words were, given human nature.
Now, a question for long-time Bible students who have likely read this portion many times; do you recall Joseph's parting words to his brothers? I have completed the verse below the footers to this devotional posting. It's a great lesson for all of us as we are along the way of life. Is there any application for our lives today?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, You've created us as individual human beings and by Your design You placed us in families. Within one family unit there are many different personalities, giftings, and varying interests. Thank you for the important things we learn about sharing, assuming responsibility, working, loving, and forgiving. Help us to do our part in keeping our family of primary importance in our lives and taking the time to appreciate those dear ones who make up our family. It is a blessing that only You can give.
A couple of days ago I asked a question concerning the very first instance of preaching in the Bible. My Sunday School teacher pointed out that God's command concerning the tree was given to Adam prior to Eve's creation. Yet Eve was able to acknowledge this prohibition to the serpent. Although it is certainly possible that God could have repeated the message to her my teacher conjectured that Adam had passed God's Word along to her, thus being the first instance of one human preaching to another!
The answer to today's Bible quiz is: "Don't quarrel on the way!" (see Genesis 45:24)
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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