Lenten Reflections, Day 19

Sunday, March 11th, 2012

Written by: Diane Bechtold

Reading: Genesis 45: 1-8

Can you just imagine how damaging and degrading it could have been for Joseph to have been sold into slavery by his brothers? Can you imagine the fear the brothers now must have felt to realize that Joseph was before them and they would be accountable for their actions? When they anticipated punishment, or even death, what they found from Joseph was forgiveness and grace – certainly not what they had earned! God does the same for us on an even grander scale – yes, we’re accountable; yes, we’re given forgiveness and Grace.

Prayer
Lord and God,
Grant that we might recognize our wrongdoings and try to live a life in a walk with Jesus, mindful that we have received Your Grace through the empty tomb. Amen.

FAMILY MOMENT: Joseph was his father’s favorite son and his brothers were very jealous of him. So jealous of him that they sold him into slavery! Joseph had a hard life after that and even spent time in jail. But even in the midst of hard times, God is still good! God made Joseph the right hand man to the Pharaoh, which allowed Joseph to prepare Egypt for a famine that was coming. Joseph’s family back home was without food due to the famine and went to Egypt looking for help. Who do you think they met in Egypt? Their brother Joseph! Joseph could have been so mad at his brothers. But in Genesis 50:20 Joseph tells his brothers: As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Where have you seen good come out of bad situations?

Gracious God, thank you for working for good all the time. Give us eyes to see your goodness in all things and at all times. Help us to show your goodness and love to others. AMEN.