GOD SENDS

Today’s Reading: Genesis 45-46

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Inner sanctuary of the Temple of Edfu, Egypt. The ancient religions of Egypt were well established by the time Joseph came to prominence. It is believed by many that Joseph’s influence helped to bring about the worship of one God in Egypt for many years, but then, as the Scripture says, “There arose a ruler who knew not Joseph” (Exodus 1:8, Acts 7:18).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo click HERE.

Key Verse: Genesis 45:5

But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.

Joseph was sure that God used even the cruelty of his brothers in order to send him to Egypt. This knowledge helped Joseph to forgive. Imagine the bewilderment and the renewal of guilt the brothers felt. Psalm 76:10 tells us that, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise You.” The anger of the brothers could not thwart God’s plan to preserve life. God forgives our sins. We accept that as a fact based on God’s promises. But forgiving ourselves is another matter. Joseph urged his brothers to forgive themselves. If they failed to do this they would never rise above the slave mentality they had shown. Their dad was “Israel,” “Prince of God.” They, too, were members of God’s royal family. It’s important to know who we are in God’s eyes, and to live up to His view of us!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, I forgive myself for the sin and wrong I’ve done. By the gift of Your grace I realize that I am Your precious child. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In 1922 my Dad began his ministry in Egypt. My Mother and he were married in 1924 in Cairo. My childhood days were filled with imagination about ancient Egypt. Dad had a black granite carved head of an ancient official of Pharaoh’s court. This was the opinion of an Egyptologist at the University of Toronto. I would wonder, “Could this be Joseph?” My photographer son, Reynold, has this head now. Reynold’s pictures of ancient Egypt are magnificent. I believe that these temples were an attempt by the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4) to get the worship he desired when in Heaven. This fallen Archangel inspired the closest thing he could get to the architecture of the centre of the worship of Almighty God in Heaven and then inhabited these temples to receive the worship of man. The temples are in ruins, as are the efforts of our enemy who desires to keep us from worshipping the true God.

Yours, as a forgiven sinner who has also forgiven himself, and who is a worshipper of the “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,”

David

My Mother and Father shortly after they were married in Egypt in 1924.