Bible Pathways - January 15, 2006

January 15, 2006
Read Genesis 43 -- 45
In Today's
Jacob's sons return to
Because of the great famine, Jacob was forced to send his sons to
After questioning them about their family to test them, Joseph had his brothers imprisoned for three days (Genesis 42:14-20). During their stay in prison, they recalled how their younger brother Joseph had pleaded with them not to be sold as a slave to the Ishmaelite traders on their way to
When Joseph's brothers returned home without Simeon, Jacob heard of the ruler's demand to bring his youngest son to
Joseph demanded that his brothers come to his home. Imagine their shock when he said, in their own Hebrew language: I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into
For years, Joseph's brothers had deceived their father and had escaped all accountability for their cruel sin against Joseph. Now they were forced to face their brother in shame. Joseph explained to them that even though ye sold me . . . God did send me. Although God used their wickedness to fulfill His will, this did not lessen their guilt. Let Joseph be our example for, regardless of how cruel someone has been, if ye forgive . . . not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15).
Christ Revealed:
Through Joseph's dealings with his brothers. Christ deals with us in such a way as to bring about our confession of sin and a recognition of His forgiving love. In a similar way, He reveals His sovereignty over the affairs of life (Genesis 45:5-8,15; compare Romans 5:8; Ephesians 1:17,20-22).
Word Studies:
43:7 straitly = specifically; tenor = had to answer him; 43:25 against Joseph came = for Joseph's arrival; 43:30 bowels = heart; 44:12 left at = finished with; 45:16 fame = news; 45:24 fall not out by the way = have no argument on your way.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Country:
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: Colossians 1:14