Year in the Bible Daily Reading:
Genesis 49-50; Galatians 4 Listen to Today's Reading
Genesis 50:19-21
But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21 (NRSVUE)
Joseph is talking to his brothers in these verses of Genesis, who had previously sold him into slavery in Egypt. Their father had just died, but instead of Joseph condemning his brothers for their acts, he ended up showing them forgiveness. Joseph could have decided to seek retribution for his brothers’ acts, but verse 19 quotes Joseph as saying, “Am I in the place of God?“ This phrase is interpreted as Joseph turning that decision to judge/punish over to God while he instead chooses to take care of his brothers and their families. An amazing choice made in humble reverence to God.
Have you ever had Bible verses metaphorically smack you right in the face? I’ve been really struggling with forgiveness lately and have not been ready to turn that over to God just quite yet. I try to not hold onto things, but mostly fail miserably with that goal. The fact of the matter is, I’ve got a long way to go to think like Joseph. At school, we teach our kids to show up, be consistent, give great effort and have the integrity to do the right thing when no one‘s watching. We really do get this outcome most of the time with students, but then somehow as adults many of those expectations go astray. The beauty of being God‘s children is that we all have the opportunity and ability to overcome and persevere by turning our thoughts, words, and deeds over to God. God forgives us of our sins. God forgives us of our sins. God forgives us of our sins. Written three times to emphasize the power in these words, to let go of what we cannot control, and allow our belief in God to guide us all.
Amen
Questions for Reflection:
- Do you ever struggle giving and/or accepting forgiveness?
- Do you take the opportunity to sit in prayer regularly and reflect on all of God‘s gifts in your lives?
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for sharing your word and knowing when we need to hear it most. As we take this year to explore your word in the Bible, encourage our hearts and minds to be open and honest with ourselves and you. Amen
Login To Leave Comment