Genesis 49:29-50:26

The death of believers provides an incomparable opportunity to demonstrate faith in the unfulfilled promises of God. Not even death can separate us from the love of God in Christ, because the promises of God extend beyond this life.

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Genesis 49:1-28

Decisions we make have lasting effects on the lives of our children. Jacob’s prophecies of his sons’ descendants directly connected with his sons’ actions. How essential it is that we be careful what we did.

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Genesis 47:28-48:22

God’s ways are not always our ways. In fact, He sometimes does the opposite of human conventions!

As Jacob was dying, he blessed Joseph’s sons by crossing his hands, putting the younger above the older—in spite of the protest of Joseph.

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Genesis 46:31-47:27

Using wisdom in dealing with those in authority leads to a greater freedom for believers.

Joseph wisely used his influence in and knowledge of Egyptian culture so as to both benefit the believing community and not to offend the one in authority.

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Genesis 45:16-46:30

Only the power of God can bring resolution to an absolute hopeless situation.

We may be reassured to follow God’s leading, even when it removes us from our perceived security, trusting that His leading brings more satisfaction in the end.

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Genesis 44

A loyalty first to self once led Joseph’s brothers to rid themselves of him.

Joseph now provides them the opportunity once again to abandon a favored son, thus testing their loyalty.

God may test our willingness to put others first if in the past we failed to demonstrate this. Given a second chance, a repentant heart will choose the right path.

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Genesis 43

It’s tough when someone gets what we want.

As jealousy had once enraged Joseph’s brothers against him, he now tests their character again by favoring Benjamin above them.

We shouldn’t let jealousy mar our rejoicing in God’s undeserved grace to us.

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Genesis 42

For Joseph’s brothers, the oppressors became the oppressed, and the imprisoners became the imprisoned.

God may use ironic reversals in our lives to convict ignored or unresolved guilt — to test our willingness to come clean before God and man.

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Genesis 41

Even when Joseph’s dreams begin to come true, as he is elevated to leadership in Egypt, he still remains faithful– now in spite of success– by giving his children Hebrew names.

Success should drive us to greater faithfulness, seeing that with promotion comes greater responsibility.

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