Bitterness or Blessings?…it’s up to YOU!

Posted on December 2, 2011 by valerie

In many parts of the world there is extreme poverty, famine, draught, and unemployment.

Studying God’s word and the life of Joseph, reveal life changing principals…
that we can learn from, to preserve our families lives and encourage us.

It’s important to remember, our heavenly Father is in complete control and watching over us daily;
so it is foolish to waste our time worrying and fretting about things we can do nothing about.

Today’s devotion is from Genesis 45…

Famine was severe throughout the land. Jacob and his family had eaten
all of the supplies that were brought from Egypt. Jacob gathered
his sons and instructed them to go back to Egypt and buy food.

Judah reminded him, the governor had specifically said they were
to bring their youngest brother back with them, to prove they were
honest men.

All this time, Simeon had been left in the Pharaoh’s
prison waiting for them to return.

He probably remembered the horrible thing they had done to his brother Joseph,
and felt the hand of God heavy upon his conscience.

Judah said to his father they would go to Egypt, if Jacob would allow Benjamin to travel with them.

Judah promised to protect his little brother. He was eager to get
Simeon out of prison, and keep their family from dying of starvation.

Jacob (Israel) finally agreed to send Benjamin. He instructed his sons to
take the best products of the land… spices, honey, myrrh, pistachio nuts
and almonds to the governor as a gift. He told them to take double the
silver they had before, so they could return the money that was found
in their bags.

He blessed them and said…
And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away
your other brother, and Benjamin. If I am bereaved of my children,
I am bereaved. Genesis 43:14

The men hurried on their way to Egypt. When Joseph saw Benjamin
and his brothers, he told the steward of his house to take them to
his home, slaughter an animal and prepare a meal for them.

The steward did as he was told and took Joseph’s brothers to his house.

His brothers were very frightened and thought they were being taken
as slaves.

They explained to the steward of Joseph’s house that silver was found in their bags
on their journey home and they had brought it back… plus additional silver
to buy more food.

The steward then spoke kindly to them and said…

Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you
treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out to them.
Genesis 43:23

The steward took them to Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet,
and fed their donkeys.

When Joseph arrived, they presented him with gifts and bowed to the ground
before him.

He asked how they were and about their father’s health.

They replied, our father is well and bowed before him again.

When Joseph saw Benjamin, he asked if he was the younger brother
they had spoken of.

Joseph said to Benjamin…

God be gracious unto thee, my son. Genesis 43:29

Joseph was so emotionally moved when he saw his little brother,
he had to excuse himself. He went into another room to weep privately.

Later, he washed his face and came out. He controlled his emotions
and told the steward to serve the food.

They ate at separate tables, because Egyptians were not allowed to eat with
Hebrews… it was detestable to them.

The brothers were seated in the order of their birth, from the oldest to the youngest.

They were amazed how the steward knew their birth order.

When the portions were served, Benjamin was given 5 times more than the other brothers.

They enjoyed their meal and afterward Joseph gave the steward instructions to
fill the men’s sacks with as much as they could hold. He said, put my silver cup
and the corn money in the mouth of the youngest boy’s sack.

In the morning the men left to return to their homeland and families.

Shortly thereafter, Joseph instructed his steward to run after them and say…

Why have you rewarded evil for good? Our master’s silver cup is missing.
Why have you done this shameful thing?

When the steward caught up to them and accused them, the men were in shock.

They couldn’t believe he would say such a thing about them. They denied stealing
the cup and encouraged the steward to search their sacks.

They were confident they would be found innocent and said…
If anyone has taken the cup, he shall die, and the rest of us will become your slaves.

The steward said, only the man who is found with the cup will become a slave.
The rest are free to go.

Each man quickly lowered their sacks and were searched. The silver cup was found in
Benjamin’s sack and his brothers tore their clothes as a sign of remorse. They loaded
their donkeys and returned to the city.

Joseph was still in the house when they returned and they quickly bowed to him.

Joseph said…

Why have you done such a wicked thing? Didn’t you realize I would discover your crime?

Judah replied..

How can we prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants’ guilt. We all will be your slaves.

Joseph said…only the one who took the cup must stay. The rest are free to return home to your father in peace.

Judah tried to intercede for Benjamin and asked if he could act as a substitute for his little brother.

He replied… My father is old and it would grieve him if his favorite son was not returned
home to him. I fear he would die. Please do not bring this misery to our father.

Joseph was deeply moved by Judah’s pleas and asked all his household to leave the room.

He wept so loudly, all the Egyptians and Pharaoh’s house heard him.

Joseph favored Benjamin and gave him extra food, to test his brothers. He wanted
to see if they would be envious and hate him…as they had hated Joseph, when
he was favored by his father.

Joseph had the cup placed in Benjamin’s sack, to test his brothers attitude,
to see if they would allow him to become a slave, as they had done to him.

He could see the remorse of his brothers, and how much they had changed.

Their attitude toward Benjamin and their father was now sacrificial and loving…
especially Judah, who had sold Joseph for 20 pieces of silver 13 years earlier.

Joseph could not keep the secret any longer. He called for his brothers to come
close and said …

I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! Is my father still alive?
Don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me… God sent me ahead of you, to preserve life.

For 2 years there has been a famine in the land, and for the next 5 years, it will continue.
God sent me ahead of you to save your lives by a great deliverance. It was not you who
sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his household and ruler
of all Egypt. Return to my father and ask him to come to me.

Joseph offered them the land of Goshen so they could live close to him and
he could provide for their needs. He kissed his brothers and embraced them.
It was a tearful and joyful reunion.

When the Pharaoh heard the news about Joseph’s family, he and his household
were very pleased. He offered abundant provisions for them and encouraged them
to quickly come back with their family and live in Egypt. He told them not to worry
about bringing their possessions, because the best of Egypt would be theirs, when
they returned.

Joseph gave his brothers the provisions Pharaoh had ordered and new clothes for
each of them…but to Benjamin he gave 300 shekels of silver (about 7 1/2 pounds)
and 5 sets of clothing. He sent them with many donkeys loaded with food and
provisions…but sternly warned …Don’t quarrel on the way home.

Joseph placed Benjamin at risk for his brother’s to become jealous of him…
but evidently they were so relieved to be free and forgiven…
they were not troubled with Benjamin’s special favor.

When they returned to their father, they told him about Joseph. His father was overjoyed
to hear the news. He was anxious to journey to see his son, before he would die.

Joseph shows an amazing ability to forgive. He had reached a point in life,
where nothing was more important than restoring peace to his family.

He was wise to learn in the “pit” years…bitterness and unforgiveness would hinder his prayers
to God. He chose to forgive and move on with his life.

Each time God blessed him and promoted him, he was thankful.

He saw God had protected him and brought him through his adversity.

When his brother’s reappeared before him, he was quick to recognize God had planned the reunion.

He realized, he was being tested by God… to see if he would abuse his power
and take revenge on his family.

The Bible says…

Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord.
And again, The Lord shall judge his people. Hebrews 10:30

Joseph realized what his brother’s had done, had been allowed by
God for a higher plan… To save thousands of lives by predicting the
famine. He was able to show the amazing power of his God, to people
all over the world by his witness. He also saw God had given him the
opportunity to teach his brothers the art of love and forgiveness.

When he sent them back to his father, he was quick to warn them not to quarrel
among themselves.

Joseph had become God’s peacemaker…

What about you my friend?

Has someone in your past hurt or offended you?

Remember… The spirit of offense, is the stumbling stone satan lays in our path, to stop our progress and prayers.

Perhaps God has allowed you to suffer, so you can be a world changer and great leader like Joseph…

The choice is up to you…

Will you hold on to bitterness for the rest of your life?…or release the pain to your loving
Father, so he can raise you from the prison to the palace.

Let God prepare you for your destiny, and give you beauty for ashes…like he did for Joseph and his family.

Jesus said…
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do

good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use

you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father

which is in heaven. Matthew 5:44-45

Heavenly Father,

We give thanks to you for all the great and mighty works you have done.

Thank you for your precious word to encourage and teach us to be wiser

than our enemies. Many are troubled and discouraged by poverty and

unemployment. We look to you to provide and protect us from all harm

and danger. You sent Joseph to deliver his family and nation from

destruction. Though he had to suffer unjustly, you allowed him

to be tried, so he could preserve the lives of your beloved children.

Teach us to let go of the past and look forward to the promising future

you have for us. Help us to give, save, and invest wisely, so we will

be a blessing to the poor and godly stewards of your blessings. You have

promised that those who sow in tears, shall reap a bountiful harvest.

Cast out the spirit of depression and bitterness from our hearts. We

know you hate strife and discord among the brethren. Unite us in love,

so Your Son, the Prince of Peace, may shepherd and guide each thought,

word, and deed, according to Your will. You cause the grass to grow for

the cattle, and send showers of rain to provide bountiful crops. How

manifold are your works. In wisdom you made them all. The earth

is full of your riches. Forgive our sins and help us to love and forgive

as you have forgiven us.

Confuse the plots of the wicked and take out of power those who will

not submit to your leadership and authority. We ask for godly leaders,

who will rule and lead according to your will.

We lift up prayers to you for all who are suffering from sickness,

addictions, depression, or adversity. We cry to you in our trouble, and trust you to deliver

us from all our distresses. Cast out disease and sickness from our bodies.

Heal the broken hearted and shattered families.

Reach out your loving hands and rescue those who are being tortured, abused,

molested, or violated in any way. You satisfy the longing and hungry soul with

goodness and mercy. Calm the storms of anger and hate among us. Give us

new hearts to serve, sing, and carry your message of hope to the nations.

This is the day you have made. We will be glad and rejoice in it. We will not

die, but live, and declare Your Awesome Name to the nations. Your hands

have made and fashioned us. Give us understanding, that we may learn

and obey your commandments. Those who fear you will be glad when

they see us, because we have hoped in Your word.

Thank you LORD for always hearing and answering our prayers. Send labourers

and translators into the harvest, so we may preach and publish Your words with power.

Bless us Father, so we may be a blessing to others.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen

Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God

of love and peace shall be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Your sister and servant of the LORD,
Valerie Rousseau