Passage
Genesis 42:1-38 (ESV)
God Accepts Those Who Fear Him
Acts 10:17-35
Key Verse: 10:34
Ten of Joseph's Brothers Go to Egypt
Date: Jul. 9, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 42:18b
First, a desperate trip to Egypt (1-23). The famine in Egypt was also severe in Canaan. So Jacob sent ten sons (except Benjamin) to Egypt to buy grain. The brothers bowed down before Egypt's governor, but they didn't recognize it was Joseph. Joseph did recognize them, though over 20 years had passed. Joseph remembered his dreams of youth with sheaves and stars bowing down to him. What an amazing providence of God in all this evil that had happened to Joseph! Joseph did not punish his brothers or reveal himself. He gave them a hard time to test their honesty, for they had lived a lie for 20 years. He wanted them to fear and live before God (18). They were living in guilt (21,22).
Second, what has God done to us? (24-38) Joseph wept secretly to see them guilt-ridden. He gave their silver back, perhaps to test them or to help them. They interpreted this 'mistake' with fright. They reported to Jacob without lies this time. Jacob felt that everything was against him. Reuben tried to make a brave promise, but Jacob refused his offer. It's really best to live honestly before God, not in lies or thinking that we're in control.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live honestly before you, trusting your sovereign control and goodness.
One Word: Honest people fear God and live before him
