Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him? Man is like a breath; His days are like a passing shadow." Psalm 144:3-4
Text: Genesis 45:1-28
PHARAOH’S POSITIVE RESPONSE
News spread quickly. Pharaoh was soon informed that Joseph’s brothers were in Egypt. Because of Joseph’s good standing before Pharaoh and his court, great joy was felt. Swiftly, Pharaoh sent for Joseph and encouraged him with these words.
“Say to your brothers, ‘Do this:
Load your animals and depart;
go to the land of Canaan. Bring your father
and your households and come to me;
I will give you the best of the land of Egypt,
and you will eat the fat of the land. Now you are commanded –
do this: Take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones
and your wives; bring your father and come. Also do not be
concerned about your goods, for the best of the land of Egypt is yours.”
GENESIS 45:17-20
The Pharaoh essentially endorsed what Joseph had promised his brothers. The significance of the Pharaoh’s invitation was one of prestige and dignity. Joseph’s invitation was more personal. He would ultimately have to seek permission from the Pharaoh to invite his family to dwell in Pharaoh’s Egypt!
LOVE GIFTS FROM JOSEPH
To further strengthen the bonds of brotherly love, Joseph sent many presents to his brothers.
“…Joseph gave them carts, according to the command of
Pharaoh, and he gave them provisions for the journey. He gave to
all of them, to each man, changes of garments; but to Benjamin
he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes
of garments”
GENESIS 45:21-22
This time round, the brothers were not jealous of Benjamin!
A SPECIAL LOVE GIFT FOR ISRAEL
Joseph gave to his beloved father a very special love gift. No gift was large enough to express the love that was in his heart. So many years had passed!
“And he sent to his father these things: ten donkeys
loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys
loaded with grain, bread and food for his father for the journey.”
GENESIS 45:23
Joseph wanted his father to know that he had always loved him dearly!