January 22

Genesis 43

Jacob is forced to send his youngest son, Benjamin, to Egypt.

INSIGHT

In his commentary, F. B. Meyer regards Joseph as a reflection of Christ who, when his brothers come to him in fear, has only love to bestow on them. Meyer writes: “Very often we move forward with dread into the unknown.” In reality, our fears are groundless. “If only we realized that [God’s] love is waiting for us there.” His love requires little from us…just ourselves. He enables us to live a happy life when we realize the good He has for us. So, “lift up your hearts; a feast awaits you!”

PRAYER

We are free to praise God because of what we know of Him through the Scriptures:
Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
And You are exalted as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from You,
And You reign over all.
In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great
And to give strength to all.
Now therefore, our God,
We thank You
And praise Your glorious name(1 Chronicles 29:11-13).

Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life in fellowship with Him:
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me….
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You (Psalm 51:10, 12-13).

As you confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, voice your affirmation of God’s Word:
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,
how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
(Romans 8:32).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Sensitivity to sin
• The ministry of your church
• The concerns of your heart

Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord who loves you as one of His children:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever. Amen (Revelation 7:12).