Daily Devotional Genesis 43, 44, Matthew 7 Sacrificial Love

 

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 43, 44, Matthew 7

 Sacrificial Love

Today we are in the story of Joseph where his brothers, who had been sent away with grain and supplies from Egypt have to return from their land because they are running out of food and Joseph is the only one who can provide for them. Their father Jacob is reluctant but must agree to send the brothers back with their youngest brother Benjamin.

The brothers are nervous, not knowing that Joseph is the ruler they are going to see. Joseph knows and we see an emotional aspect of him seeing and meeting his brother for the first time. He has to leave the room, go back to a room alone where he cries and then cleans himself up only to come out and continue the ruse. 

Joseph is still planning to surprise his brothers and ultimately his father. While this in some ways doesn't make sense, we see a part of Joseph that while cautious is also planning ahead. 

Joseph had a plan and sets it in place. He isn't done yet. He has his servants put a cup in the sack of Benjamin and on the way home they are to be confronted by some of Joseph's men and then take Benjamin as a slave.  Of course the brothers have no idea of this and when it happens they are very upset and hurt. We see in some ways the remorse for what they know their father will feel, especially after they had told their father their brother Joseph had been killed. We see that Joseph's brothers truly love their father Jacob.

In this effort to talk Joseph into reconsidering what they think he is going to do, Judah pours out his heart, spilling the beans if you will and telling Joseph the whole story. He is heartbroken out of his love and concern for his father. 

What happens next? Well you'll either have to read ahead or wait until the next devotional, because just like a lot of good stories, this chapter ends in a cliff-hanger.

Matthew 7

Here we see the continuation of the Sermon on the Mount, the longest continual teaching of Jesus in the Bible.  He starts of Chapter 7 warning us about "judging" others, in what I believe is one of the most misquoted passages of scripture. Many often say, you shouldn't judge. I like the CEV translation here because it is more accurate to the actual Greek and uses the word "condemn."  It is not our job to condemn, it is the job and responsibility of the follower of Jesus to offer hope, yet speak truth without condemnation. 

We see the importance of seeking truth, whether that be about faith or other issues in life. We can also draw a comparison to how we interact with others as Jesus points out. We have to understand for ourselves, and others, that God is a perfect Father who will do amazingly wonderful things for those He loves.

We have to remember though, that following God is more than just words, there are actions, an aspect of submission and surrender to God, with the realization that He is in fact, God. We can so easily get caught up in the things we do, what we think and the results but Jesus makes things complicated. God goes so far as casting out those who say they love Him and has done miracles in His name. We must realize that what we do can't be built on our efforts but has to be built on the teachings of Jesus and based on the relationship we have with Him.

Today, we must contemplate, how serious is our relationship with Jesus? Are we willing to submit to His ways, to love, serve and share the truth about Jesus. Or, are we watering down the message?  Is our focus on ourselves, others, or is it on Jesus and the love He would have us show?  Only we know the answer to those questions along with God. They are however questions we need to ask. Do I have a real and loving relationship with Jesus? 

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To see Genesis Chapter 43 and 44 and Matthew 7 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+43%2C+44%2C+Matthew+7&version=CEV

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