January 21 – Joseph’s Behavior Should Sound Familiar

January 21
Genesis 42:18-43:34
Matthew 13:47-14:12
Psalm 18:16-36
Proverbs 4:7-10

Three weeks into the year and you’ve stayed with us! Thank you! God is blessing your faithfulness! How do I know? If you’ve been seeking God with your whole heart for these last 3 weeks, Psalm 119:2 speaks to you!

Biblical illustrations by Jim Padgett, courtesy of Sweet Publishing

Sometimes you feel like Joseph’s brothers – just trying to put food on the table and a government official is threatening jail time!

Genesis 42:18 is words of comfort – knowing that the government official is under authority from above!

Genesis 42:27 – Speaking of the brothers, they tried to buy food, but they couldn’t. God used the brothers: 1) they wanted to kill to 2) store up food for them (before they knew they needed it), 3) give it to them at no charge (even though they tried to pay for it). What other thing has God done through 1) someone we wanted to kill, 2) before we knew we needed it, and 3) gave to us at no charge (and even refused our efforts to pay for it).

Genesis 43:34 – Joseph feeds them at his banquet table – if you’ve heard the Children’s Song – “He brought me to His banqueting table / His banner over me is Love” – what verse is that song quoting?

Matthew 13:50 – Again, Jesus talks about a “furnace of fire.” Interesting that while Millennials are far less likely to believe in God, attend church weekly, pray, read Scripture, etc. than Senior Citizens, they are just as likely to believe Hell is real. Unfortunately, many believe it’s just for Adolph Hitler even though the Bible tells us many, many more will be going there.

Psalm 18:25-26 – As you’re journaling about the character of God, perhaps add a list of characteristics that He looks for in us.

Proverbs 4:7 – How’s this for an executive summary of Proverbs?