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GENESIS 41:17-42:17 | MATTHEW 13:24-46 | PSALM 18:1-15 | PROVERBS 4:1-6
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A Hebrew slave becomes the highest-ranking official in the land of Egypt. In the ancient world of Egypt, what could be more startling than that! The incredible story of Joseph continues with the Pharaoh heeding Joseph’s interpretation of his strange dreams which soon come to pass.
The seven years of abundance are followed by seven lean years, but thanks to Joseph’s wise counsel and oversight, the people are well-prepared to withstand the famine. Joseph goes on to marry and have two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim– both names chosen with much thought.
And just when Joseph thought he had put his horrific past behind him by forgetting (and perhaps even forgiving) the atrocities committed by his brothers in selling him into slavery and telling his father that he was dead, his past begins to make an appearance in the present.
The famine in the land reaches north to Canaan as well, and Joseph’s ten brothers are sent by their father Jacob to the prosperous land of Egypt to buy grain and supplies.
And in a striking twist of fate, unbeknownst to them, they come face-to-face with their brother, Joseph. Amazing how things work out like that! God is always in control despite how things might appear.
Turning next to Matthew, we continue with the account of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus continues to teach in parables, and there is the parable of the weeds, the mustard seed, the yeast, the hidden treasure and the pearl.
The Kingdom of God is likened to that hidden treasure and the fine pearl. When you know you’ve got something so very valuable, you don’t think twice in giving up everything else in order to hold on to that treasure.
David’s psalm for the day is yet another passionate one. He says with utter confidence:
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.