A Time of Tension: The problem with money

1/16/2008 8:22 AM

SPIRITUAL DIARY

My Worship Time      Focus:  A Time of Transition:  The problem with the money

Bible Reading & Meditation             Reference:  Genesis 43:16-23a

            Message of the verses:  16  And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.  17  And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into Joseph’s house.  18  And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses.  19  And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they communed with him at the door of the house, 20  And said, O sir, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food:  21  And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.  22  And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks.  23  And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money.”

            Now Joseph was seventeen years old when he was taken into Egypt and Benjamin was a lot younger than he was, and so it would have been difficult to recognize him, but according to verse sixteen Joseph did recognize him.  It is good to remember that this was God’s plan being worked through Joseph, and both God and Joseph wanted these brothers to come to repentance over what they had done to Joseph so that when He moved them into the land of Egypt there would be peace and the family of Israel could become the nation of Israel. 

            When the brothers realized that they were going to Joseph’s house for dinner they became frightened because of the money that was put back into their sacks after buying the grain the first time so they spoke to Joseph’s servant and he pretty much told them not to sweat it.  He actually told them that it was their God who was responsible for having the money put back, and so it was. 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  By reading this story of Joseph and his brothers, included is the part for today’s reading, it is coming more clear to me that it is God who brings about the things that happen in my life, things that sometime seem as coincidences to me.  This surely tells me that God is truly in control of my life and that I need to praise him and attempt to bring glory to Him in whatever I am doing.

Steps of Faith for Today:  Continue to trust the Lord to lead me and to guide me and fill me with His Holy Spirit that I may bring honor and glory to Him.