DAY 072: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – GENESIS 40-43

March 11, 2024

GENESIS 40-43
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DAY 072: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Today’s journey begins with dreams. Three sets of them. Joseph becomes ruler of the lands of Egypt, subservient only to the Pharaoh. Joseph’s brothers bow down to him.

Is there something on your mind? Take a few minutes to take your concerns to the Lord in prayer. Then pray for wisdom regarding today’s reading. Now read Genesis 40-43. Let our journey begin!

Genesis, the first book of the Jewish Torah and of the Christian Old Testament, was written by Moses as revealed to him by God. As God reveals the beginning to Moses, we are able to understand that God is continually giving second chances; another chance to better ourselves and the world in which we live.

Genesis 40-43: Joseph is in prison. Joseph ran the prison for the chief jailer. While undertaking his duties, he learned of the dreams of two men, the Pharaoh’s cupbearer and the Pharaoh’s baker. They are troubled by their dreams. Joseph tells them that God can interpret their dreams. Joseph tells the cupbearer and the baker what God revealed their dreams to mean. The interpretation came to pass. Pharaoh had a dream no one could interpret. Although two years had passed, the cupbearer remembers Joseph, and Joseph is brought before the Pharaoh. Joseph made it clear to Pharaoh that God interprets the dreams, and that he, Joseph, is the messenger for God. Joseph so impressed Pharaoh and his counsel that he was appointed manager of the land.

Joseph’s job was to prepare Egypt for the coming famine. The famine strikes the area and Egypt is the only country prepared for it. Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt seeking food for their Canaanite family. Joseph’s brothers bow to him, not recognizing Joseph, although he recognized them. He spoke to them through an interpreter not allowing them to know that he could understand everything they said. Joseph accuses them of being spies, knowing they are not. He kept one brother prisoner while sending nine brothers home to bring his brother Benjamin to him. Jacob refuses to allow them to return with the youngest son, Benjamin. The famine worsens and Jacob is forced to allow his sons to return to Egypt, with Benjamin. Upon arriving in Egypt, they are ushered into Joseph’s home where they are to have lunch with him. They are afraid. Joseph inquired about their father, his father. Benjamin’s portion of food is five times greater than anyone else’s, for Benjamin and Jacob not only shared the same father, but they also shared the same mother: Rachel. (Genesis 40:1-43:35)

Read chapters 40 through 43, and consider the following: Justice ultimately belongs to the Lord. How should we handle someone whom we perceive as having wronged us? How can you see God’s forgiveness, and willingness to give second chances? Why does God continue to forgive?

Godspeace!