From Eden to Egypt- Day 55

So Joseph died, being 110 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.- Genesis 50:26 (NIV)

The last word in the book of Genesis is Egypt.  It seems appropriate that this book of the Bible would end in such a place.  Right after the death of Joseph, one of the final figures of the first book of the Old Testament, the book of Genesis ends right there in Egypt.

Think about Egypt's history and how the coming of the Hebrews changed its social structure.  A famine throughout the world caused people to come from all parts of the world to Egypt.  God placed Joseph there through some extreme circumstances.  Yet, Joseph was placed in a position of power.  God used him to smooth things out when the shepherds from Canaan came to Egypt to buy grain.

The Christian may not see the blessing found in Egypt.  Jacob reunited with his son in Egypt. Joseph forgave his brothers and wept with them in Egypt.  Joseph and his kinsmen stayed in Goshen in Egypt.  Joseph had favor with Pharaoh and his people throughout the land of Egypt.  God had shown Joseph favor in Egypt.  Perhaps, as believers, we need to see where are the places that God has helped us to reunite with family and friends.  We need to rethink about how God allowed us to forgive others.  Thank God for giving us a place to stay.  Praise God for granting us favor. 

I believe we all have our own little "Egypt" when it comes to this walk of faith.  Thank God for leading you through this far to your Egypt.

From Eden to Egypt- Day 54

 ¹⁵ When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” ¹⁶ So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ¹⁷ ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
- Genesis 50:15-21 (NIV)

Joseph's brothers feared him.  In fact, they believed that Joseph would take revenge on them and seek payback for all that they had done to him.  They even discussed it and sent word to Joseph via messenger.

When their message came to him, Joseph wept. (v. 17, NIV).

Joseph wept based upon their message.  He reassured them and spoke kindly to them, according to verse 21.  Joseph had said to them that he was in the place of God.  He stated that he did not seek to harm them, even though they had harmed him.  He shared that God used their evil intentions to accomplish His perfect will.

Joseph showed mercy.  In fact, Joseph showed his brothers mercy on more than one occasion.  He said that he was in the place of God, in a position to either harm them or help them.  He chose to help them instead of seeking revenge upon them and exercising his authority as an Egyptian governmental official.

Take a moment today and see about ways to show mercy towards others.  Do you have an opportunity to show mercy at work or home? Pray to the Lord for discernment in dealing with those who wrong you.  Do all that you can to do like the Lord.