Genesis 45:16-28
Pharaoh stole the show for me today. His acceptance, really his embracing, of Joseph's family was nothing less than amazing. Why was that do you think? I think a large part of it was because everything Joseph did reflected God. Pharaoh respected Joseph (maybe even loved him?) and we see that in his generous response to the news of Joseph's family.
So what does today's passage show us about the importance of living like Christ in a world that doesn't know or follow Him? What are you going to do with it? Tami W.
Josheph is an amazing man. He overcame such adversity and through every difficulty in his life he remained faithful to God. That is evident in his life and Pharoah's acceptance of his family is a reflection of how Joseph lived all those years in front of Pharoah and all the Egyptian people.
That is what we are called to do. To live a reflection of Christ so that all that we meet daily will be bathed in His light and love.
Many people that I work with do not go to church. The only picture of Christ that they get is through my actions, what I say, how I react to daily life. It is a grave responsibility and one that I can only fullfill by walking daily with Him through His word and fellowship.
Tami
The words that I am reminded of are these, "Let your light shine among men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven". Remember christians are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world".
Tami,
I like what you said about Pharaoh liking or respecting (possibly love) for Joseph. It can follow from one generation to another. I have seen it in my own family. My father died in 1977. He was very young. Anyway, even to this day people who knew him, respected him, are very kind to me because of the seeds he sewed when he was alive.
I am very grateful for this and my Christian upbringing.
I never did really think about all the forgiveness Joseph had for his brothers here. It helps me see this in another light. I always thought about how the brothers must have felt. Scared. It was good to see the comments on this today.
The pharaoh can see Joseph is walking with God. The Pharaoh was made rich from God useing Joseph. He is giving him a reward. Maybe he know that his action will bring him a even greater reward from God. How great would it be if we empowered our children at home and in school to walk with Christ. If I was in charge of schools today this would be one lesson our children would learn.I thought of the song that Big Daddy Weaves sings, I wonder what the world would be like if we let Jesus live through you and me. WONDERFUL FOR SURE!
Tami,
What you say is so true. My parents were missionaries in S.A. and my dad helped to start a church. Many, many years later, my brother went back to visit and there were people who still remembered my dad, after more than 30 years, and spoke of his love for Jesus. Some of the people had never even met my dad, they just had heard stories from their parents. I cried when my brother came back and told us that story.
So, yes, you are correct. And to have a Christian heritage and upbrining is such a blessing.
This is my 1st day with P4, and I am excited to be a part! As I read your comments, Tami, about pharaoh and how he reacted to Joseph's family, I agree with all of the posts about his heart toward Joseph and Joseph's witness BUT what also struck me so strongly was to remember the sovereignty of God in all of this. Another man of God (Moses) stood before the pharaoh of the day, and his reactions and responses were totally different. The Bible tells us that God hardened his heart....so.. that brings me to the conclusion that God softened the heart of Joseph's pharaoh to accomplish His purposes and our part is to be obedient to the leading of our heart- for it is God Who forms it.
Welcome to the P4 Blog, Gail! So glad to have you as part of the Powered by 4 family. And thanks for the great comment too.
Meredith, P4 Team Member