Called to Gather, Pray, and Worship
Revelation 3:19-21
- Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers, - but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night. - That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
Pondering Point
Chosen to lead off the Psalms, these words set the tone for all that follows. And these words, describing the actions of a godly person, set the tone for a godly, fruitful life. What are you going to do differently as a result of reading about this blessing?
Joseph Relieves His Brothers
Regarding Their Sin
Genesis 50:15-21
The weight of these verses is best measured in connection to the background information, what Joseph’s brothers did to him as a teenager and the life-long impact it had on those involved. That information is found in Genesis chapters 37 and 39-47.
As a student of the Bible and follower of Jesus Christ, I am continually amazed at Joseph’s faith in God; it brought him through many ungodly situations over many years. Where others choose to blame God for such circumstances and take matters into their own hands, Joseph stays faithful. And – true to God’s given dreams of Joseph’s teenage years, he gets blessed in family and world-impacting ways.
Genesis 50:15-21
Joseph Reassures His Brothers
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.
19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Prayer for the Week
Father God, Joseph learned to forgive his brothers and saw that You could use their evil intent to bring about good for people. Grant me such faith as I face obstacles in life, trusting You rather than taking matters into my own hands.