Mon.’s Devo - Joseph is Delivered

Read Gen. 41:17-42:17, Matt. 13:24-46, Ps. 18:1-15, Pr. 4:1-6 Did you notice that in the end of yesterday’s reading, Joseph shaved himself and changed his clothes when God delivered him from prison. It was against his tradition to shave and even considered shameful, but to honor the people that God had put over him, he made himself look like them. He was submitting himself to their authority and God honored his humility and gave Joseph authority over them. Joseph interpreted the pharaoh’s dream and was exalted to the second highest position in the land. Joseph followed God’s instructions to the letter so when the famine hit, he was the only place on the face of the earth that had bread. Everyone had to come to Egypt and bow before him to ask for bread. What a picture of what will happen in these end times we are in. When God brings disaster on the earth, the true Christians will have the provision and the answers - the bread of life. The world will come and beg us to tell them! When Joseph’s brothers came, he recognized them but they didn’t know him. Many people who once knew Jesus, won’t recognize what Jesus is doing in these last days…only those who have an intimate relationship with him and are willing to change with God’s seasons. Joseph had to test his brothers first to see what kind of seed they were. Were they wheat or tares? Had they repented of what they did to him or had they hardened their hearts? This will be the same test God will give to many that have walked away from him. Joseph’s brothers had to spend only three days in the same prison he spent years. God’s tests reveal what is in us. Ps. 18 is one of my favorite Psalms. I believe it is a picture of what happened when darkness fell on the face of the earth at the crucifixion. God clothed himself in darkness and came down to minister to Jesus. When it became light, Jesus cried out, “my God, why have you forsaken me.” God never forsook Jesus, just his tangible presence lifted. How can a God who is Omnipresent not be somewhere and how can God who promised never to leave us or forsake us do that? Lord, may we pay attention to your Word and gain understanding.