Day 2

Scripture to Read: Genesis 42:26-43:25

Yesterday, we read how Jacob (Israel) did not send Benjamin on the journey with his other sons as he feared losing him. Jacob's (Israel's) fear became real as Jacob's sons, once back home, informed him that they were commanded to bring Benjamin back with them to Egypt. Israel's sons had their moment of fear, too, as they found their money back in their sacks and asked each other, "What is this that God has done to us?" (Genesis 42:28). As Israel's sons shared the news of what happened on their journey, Israel got distressed (Genesis 42:29-35). Israel cried aloud, "You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and now you would take Benjamin. All this has come against me" (Genesis 42:36). Finally, Jacob (Israel) realizes that Benjamin must go to Egypt with his brothers. Israel encourages his sons to take gifts and to return and give their money back. Israel sends them off looking to the mercy of God (Genesis 43:14). Israel's response shows us that he knows he must trust in God alone to care for all his sons. Israel knows there is no promise that he will receive his sons back; he rests in the mercy of God. The sons of Jacob (Israel) find upon their return to Egypt a word of peace from Joseph and treasure from the Lord. As we trust in the mercy of God, we find peace and treasure from our Lord even amid fear because we worship a God who is working all things together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28-29).

Challenge & Application

1. What does God teach us about how Jacob (Israel) faced his fear with faith? 2. Find a Bible verse on the mercy of God to meditate on the next time you are tempted to fear.

Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!

Devotionals from this week

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Day 1

In today's devotion, we continue to notice God's theme found throughout Genesis, man's fallenness, and God's faithfulness. As the world comes to Egypt to buy grain, Jacob (Israel) sends his sons, except for Benjamin out of fear that he may lose him just like he lost Joseph (Genesis 42:4). Jacob's fear was soon realized as his sons were comman...

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Day 2

Yesterday, we read how Jacob (Israel) did not send Benjamin on the journey with his other sons as he feared losing him. Jacob's (Israel's) fear became real as Jacob's sons, once back home, informed him that they were commanded to bring Benjamin back with them to Egypt. Israel's sons had their moment of fear, too, as they found their money bac...

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Day 3

Today we continue to examine the story of Joseph and his brothers. As the brothers returned to Egypt, Joseph asked how their father was doing and realized his brother Benjamin was with them. Joseph's heart was filled with compassion, and he showed his brothers kindness but gave to Benjamin greater portions than the rest of the brothers. The b...

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Day 4

After Joseph's silver cup was found in Benjamin's sack, the brothers returned to Joseph's house and begged him not to punish Benjamin. Judah then speaks out: "What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how can we clear ourselves? God has found out the guilty of your servants; behold, we are my lord's servants, both we and he also i...

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Day 5

In today's devotion, we witness a beautiful picture of the reconciliation that God Almighty brings through His power and grace. After Judah pleaded for Benjamin's release, Joseph was broken. As tears flowed from his eyes, Joseph made himself known to his brothers (Genesis 45:2). Not surprisingly, Joseph's brothers stayed silent, probably in s...

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Day 6

Yesterday we saw the beautiful portrait of reconciliation as Joseph and his brothers were reunited. A relationship once broken had now been restored. In today's devotion, we see a portrait of life as Joseph, once thought dead by his father, Israel, is found to be alive. After Joseph's reunion with his brothers, Pharaoh offers Joseph and his f...

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Day 7

We have seen God's plan throughout Joseph's story. We have seen the power of God to reconcile Joseph with his brothers and to extend grace to them. In today's devotion, we read how the promise of God continues to be fulfilled. As Jacob (Israel) prepares to go to his son Joseph, God comes to Jacob in another vision and reiterates the promise o...

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