Genesis 45-47

Joseph makes himself known to his family in Genesis 45-47.  Almost immediately, he forgives his brothers of their guilt because he is able to see himself as playing a purposeful part in God's bigger story.  Joseph not only saves his family from famine, he provides abundantly for their every need by moving them all to live with him in Egypt.  I love how Joseph's faith blesses his entire family.  We are able to see, even more, how God continues to use Abraham's family across generations.    

One person's faith makes a difference for many.  God's light is far reaching.  I can't help but notice the boldness that Joseph and his father, Jacob, have in sharing their faith and their blessings with those around them.  

Their faith crosses cultural boundaries.  Look at all the ways Joseph and Jacob bless the Pharaoh.  Joseph makes Pharaoh a very wealthy and powerful man, and Jacob verbally blesses Pharaoh in prayer.

7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed[a] Pharaoh,8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”

⁹ And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.”

Genesis 47:7-9

This family makes it possible for others to know God and believe in Him through their faithful choices.  

How bold are you in your faith?   

How can you share your faith today in a powerful way that blesses others?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for using me in Your glorious story.  Forgive me for getting distracted and passing up opportunities to be bold and share my faith with others like Joseph and Jacob.  Open my heart and mind to all the chances I have throughout my days to live in a way that reflects Your love and blesses others.  Give me the courage I need to overlook cultural norms and boundaries.  I want to pray your blessings for ___________ (name those on your mind) today.  To You, my God and Father, be glory forever and ever.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Love in Christ,

 *This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.