Daily Devotions – Constantly Surprised

Daily Devotions – Constantly Surprised

Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Genesis 45:16-22 (NIV)
16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, 18 and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.’ 19 “You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. 20 Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.’” 21 So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey. 22 To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes.

 

The story of Joseph is filled with surprises. Joseph, a foreigner, has risen from the status of a slave and prisoner to be the second in command of all Israel, only lower than Pharaoh. In this passage, the broken, dysfunctional people that God chose to bear his promised blessing to the world is surprised once again. Instead of getting what they deserve, the brothers of Joseph are forgiven and then blessed with incredible wealth by Pharaoh. This is what God does over and over again. Christianity has no room for the karmic mindset of “you get what you give”. No, we get what we do not deserve. We get grace, mercy, love, and blessing. Ask God to open your heart and mind to how He is constantly working in surprising ways to bring goodness and mercy into Your life. Remember, Joseph and his family did not always have an easy or comfortable life, but God was always with them working to save them and provide for them.