The Saturday after the Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity Sunday
Posted on November 2, 2024 by under
Scripture: Genesis 50:15-23 (NKJV)
50:15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” 16 So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, 17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.”’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”
19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
22 So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s household. And Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. 23 Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph’s knees.
Devotion
Earlier, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers and showed that he understood God’s purpose, saying, “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… and to save your lives by a great deliverance” (Gen. 45:5,7). Furthermore, Joseph pledged his love to them and promised, “You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children’s children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you … you and your household” (Gen. 45:10-11). Their fear that Joseph might hate them and repay them evil was not so much a reflection upon Joseph or his actions toward them, but rather a reflection upon their unbelieving hearts. Their heart was not yet comforted through trust in Joseph’s words of forgiveness.
What is the answer for a heart which fears the just punishment for his sin? What is to be spoken to the troubled conscience? The right words are to repeat the words of Gospel again! Joseph again assures them, “Do not be afraid, I will provide for you and your little ones.” Our God sends His called and ordained men to speak the Gospel again, saying, “Do not be afraid. He loves you and He forgives you your sins. ‘The promise is for you and for your children…’ (Acts 2:39).”
Collect: O God, our Refuge and Strength, Who art the Author of all godliness: Be ready, we beseech Thee, to hear the devout prayers of Thy Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully, we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
