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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 366

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21

Text: Genesis 50:1-26

THE OUTSTANDING FAITH OF JOSEPH

Joseph’s faith stood out when it counted most. His faith held him up when he was sold as a slave, and even more when he was sent to jail for a crime he did not commit. His faith in God was honoured, and in due time, he was promoted to a very high rank in Pharaoh’s court.

His faith stood out again when he forgave his brothers for their sin against him. His faith continued to sustain him through his long tenure in Pharaoh’s court. God was very real to Joseph. He was a very personal God to him! His faith in God affected his comprehension of life. It also affected the character he cultivated along the way.


THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD

Perhaps the most outstanding truth that featured in Joseph’s theology was the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. His brothers had “meant evil” against him. However, they were up against the sovereignty of God, and their purposes were soundly defeated.

“God meant it for good, in order to bring it about
as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
GENESIS 50:20b

Joseph saw, understood and appreciated the fact that God had a higher plan! His understanding of the sovereignty of God enabled him to live above the dark periods of his life. Ultimately he was proven right! Faith in a sovereign God is the way to triumph!


HOLDING ON TO A VIBRANT FAITH RIGHT TO THE VERY END

Joseph held on to his faith from start to finish. He lived up to 110 years of age (Genesis 50:22, 26). But there came a time when he too must go the way of the earth. He had lived to see Ephraim’s children to the third generation (Genesis 50:23). Manasseh’s children were also very close to Joseph. He made sure that he found time for his grandchildren (Genesis 50:23).

Before his death, Joseph, following the example of his late father Jacob, extracted a promise from his family.

“I am dying; but God will surely visit you,
and bring you out of this land to the land of which
He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.’
Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel,
‘God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones
from here.’
So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they
embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.”
GENESIS 50:24-26

What an example Joseph set for all the children of Israel, and for us, people who are keen and committed to the growth and development of our faith! Let us determine that we too would develop a vibrant faith in the Lord that will last to the very end of life.