We started the week with Genesis 43:11-17, where we find Jacob resigned and agreeing to send Benjamin back to Egypt.
We hear in his words an attitude of defeat. Of hopelessness. He must have stood and watched as his sons went off into the distance – unsure of whether he would see them again.
But he knew to pray and entrust them, and his family’s future, into the hands of God Almighty … “May God Almighty give you mercy …” (verse 14, NLT).
When we are unsure of what lies ahead, there is no better One to trust, no better One to entrust our loved ones, than into the hands of God Almighty.
With schools closing down, shortened business hours, and so many facing possible financial struggles, this brings hope.
May we be of those who hold out wisdom, hope, and faith in the days ahead as we hold out the Word of God to those around us. May we remind others “May God Almighty give you mercy”, for He truly is our merciful and faithful God!
~*~*~
We continued in Genesis 43:27-34, where we find the brothers have arrived back in Egypt, they are before Joseph presenting their gifts, and Joseph is seeing Benjamin for the first time.
Joseph is overcome with emotion and leaves the room.
He is overcome with tears – from painful memories; from years lost; from seeing his brother whom he must have thought he would never see again.
“May God be gracious to you, my son.” (verse 29, NLT)
The sight of a very special friend, who at the mere sight of her, moves me to tears – every single time. The love and gratitude for all God has done in each of our lives over the years overwhelms me whenever I see her. The sight of my friend continually reminds me of the faithfulness and mercy of God. The sight of her reminds me that He can do the impossible and make a way when we think there is no way. And when we part ways, we speak blessings over one another.
God uses strong emotions to get our attention and teach us something about Himself.
~*~*~
We brought this fifth week of study to a close with reading Genesis 44:14-29.
Here we find the band of brothers standing before Joseph. It’s not the first time they have been before him, but there is a slight difference this time.
In the past, they had bowed politely before Joseph, in reverence. But notice this time:
“Joseph was still in his palace when Judah and his brothers arrived, and they fell to the ground before him.” (verse 14, NLT)
To me, this represented a falling to the ground in desperation, not reverence. Those words are so timely for these days we are living. There is no better place for us to be than before God in prayer. Maybe even falling flat on our faces before Him.
We read in Psalm 34:
- “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” (verse 4)
- “In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.” (verse 6)
- “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to the cries for help.” (verse 15)
- “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” (verse 17)
These are unprecedented days in which we are living. We can be assured our God is listening to our prayers. We will still go through these troubling days ahead but He will go with us.
I want to encourage all of us, myself included (!!), not to gloss over Scripture because of its familiarity. Slow down, read it, meditate on it, and make application.
Let the Word breathe encouragement and hope into our hearts and minds
so that we can be hope to those around us.
I’m running into the tendency to read the Word lightly in my present trip through the book of Proverbs. As you have said here, I really need to slow down and soak in the wisdom.
Ah … the picture, the verse … a beautiful sight this afternoon, Joanne.
Bless you …
Blessings to you as well, Linda. May our Lord keep you safe, healthy and in peace during these changing days.
Yes, Joanne. Tears sometimes express emotion that is too deep for words. I loved what you shared here:
“But his tears signified something else too ”“ gratitude.
Gratitude for all God had done and was currently doing.”
There have definitely been times where I come to tears when I ponder something God has done in my life or the life of a loved one. We have a good, good Father. May we always have hearts tender toward Him.
I love the part where Joseph is overcome with emotion and leaves the room. I think it’s my favorite part of his story, besides the part where he tells his brothers that God meant it for good! Thanks for these beautiful reminders!
Pinned.
Thank you for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
What great truths you brought out, Joanne. I especially loved the thoughts about coming to God in desperation. It’s such a comfort to bring our deepest needs to Him.
Thanks again for more study. For thoughts to ponder and meditate upon. I pray you have had a healthy and peace-filled week!