Daily Encouragement Day 24 – Genesis 45

This chapter completes the process of reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers and reveals the need for the grace of forgiveness in order to restore estranged relationships.  When Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers, he also communicated the divine purpose behind the pains he experienced over the years: “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.”  Thus, Joseph was reunited with his brothers, and the children of Israel were brought into Egypt to prevent them from losing their identity through intermarriage with the Canaanites.

READING of GENESIS 45

Prayer:

Lord, I marvel at the graciousness of Your servant Joseph and at his willingness to extend forgiveness and grace to his brothers.  Give me the wisdom to see things from Your perspective so that I will not suppose that people injure me in ways that cannot be redeemed by Your higher purposes.

Meditation passage for today: verses 5, 7-8