We’re in a tumultuous period of time in our current political climate. But, here’s something as believers that we need to keep in mind.
First of all, we must make a noble commitment to peace. Our language must be seasoned with peace. Fighting disputes with hatred doesn’t bode well with our relationship with God.
Secondly, our focus should be on heaven. Everything else is partisan, they should take a back seat to our allegiance to God. That doesn’t mean that we react with judgment and a holier than thou attitude. We can’t expect everyone to follow the will of God if they don’t even know God. But, our actions and words should represent His character.
Thirdly, we need to recommit to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Those are the words in red in the Bible. Our only hope is in Jesus Christ. He alone can overcome death. He alone is our peace. No one/or nothing else is equal to Him.
Lift all concerns to Jesus and pray for all nations!
This is from a sermon a few weeks ago from our pastor based on Genesis 42:1-22. Unfortunately as he started the sermon, my ink pen ran out of ink and I couldn’t find another one. But I can’t leave this portion out of Joseph’s story.
This is a story of conviction to God’s leading. Joseph was treated badly by his brothers, but they have come to Egypt from Canaan in search of food for their family due to the famine in all the land. He recognizes them, but they don’t recognize him. So, he keeps his identity hidden from them. This clearly brings back the dreams that Joseph had as a teenager that his brothers bowed before him. He accused them of being spies. They deny that, but tell him of the father and the son that remained in Canaan with their father, also of the brother that is no more. He tests them by requiring that one brother stay behind until he brings the younger brother back to Egypt.
He provides the food they need, having his men fill each of the sacks with grain, and returning the silver they used to purchase the grain. He also provided supplies for their return trip.
Upon their return home, they realized that all of their money was returned to their sacks and they were afraid. Jacob grieved for his son Joseph and now Simeon who had been left behind and at the instruction to take Benjamin back for Simeon’s release.
Reuben tells Jacob that he may kill his 2 sons if they don’t bring Simeon and Benjamin back with them. Jacob finally relents and sends them back insisting they return the money from the first grain and pay also for more as they were again running low. He only let them take Benjamin because Joseph had told them they would not see his face unless Benjamin was with him.
So, why does Joseph not reveal his identity to them? He accuses them of being spies, but he doesn’t harm them or blame them for his troubles. He has conviction that God’s plan must play out. For that, we will continue this in my next blog post.
Thanks for reading.
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 