Week 38, Day 1: Joseph’s kindness
Today’s Reading: Genesis 50:1-26
Some thoughts from the reading…
The book of Genesis concludes with some sad events but also a positive outlook. Jacob is buried in Canaan and there is much morning over him. Joseph’s death is also recorded for us. But we are also told again about the character of Joseph. The brothers are fearful of Joseph after their father has died and buried. They fear that Joseph will finally seek his revenge against them for what they did to him when he was young. But Joseph tells them not to fear. He says this with tears and pledges to provide for them and their little ones. He again extends his kindness to them. He states that he does this even though they intended evil towards him. It is impressive to think back on what all Joseph had to endure and go through just because his brothers were jealous of him. It is also interesting to consider what Joseph could have done to them with the snap of a finger. And yet Joseph always kept in mind that God had sent him to Egypt to preserve life and provide for his family. He accepted this task and was faithful to serve God’s will.
The chapter closes out with another positive note. Joseph stresses to his brothers that God would take care of them and bring them out from the land. Even at death, Joseph is comforting any fear that they might have and stressing a confidence that God will provide for them. May we each have the kind of conviction and confidence in God to reflect a similar faith as Joseph.
Question: Can you think of a time when you were hurt by someone and lashed out against them? What are some suggestions that you can think of for others to help them handle such hard situations?
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