December 2024
12/1 - Revenge is Bittersweet
The famine is so severe that Jacob sends his sons to buy grain in Egypt. Joseph recognizes them, but they don't know him. He speaks harshly to them and treats them rather roughly. He accuses them of being spies and finally holds Simeon hostage until they go back to Canaan and return with their younger brother. All of this sparks guilt in the brothers seeing these events coming upon them for what they had done previously to Joseph.
12/8 - Not Your Usual Family Reunion
When Joseph's brothers return to Egypt to buy grain they bring Benjamin, a stipulation by "the man." When Joseph's silver cup is planted in Benjamin's sack and "discovered," Judah steps up to plead for the lad since he had become surety for him to his father Jacob. This is too much for Joseph, and he breaks down in tears as he reveals himself, telling his brothers that God has been behind it all in order to save them during the famine. Since both shepherds and Hebrews were loathsome to Egyptians, how else could God have them sheltered there except by having a Hebrew over the whole land?
12/15 - Covenants, Old and New
Covenants have been the primary way in which God has dealt with individuals and peoples from early on. Some of these early covenants are still in effect, but some are not. Misunderstanding these differences has led to a lot of confusion in what people believe today and how they try to serve and worship God. In fact, many Christians don't even know what a covenant is!