Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 20
Day 20 - Friday, July 19
Read Genesis 44-45
Highlight
“But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance” (45:7). Where did Joseph get this perspective? Where did he get the strength to forgive his brothers? The Bible does not share all of those details but we do see equal growth between Joseph and his brothers. Judah is ready to do all in his power to save Benjamin when years before, he sold Joseph. Joseph had all the power at his disposal and he extended grace. He knew God was working, he simply had to wait and persevere through the plan.
Joseph’s story of saving his family is a small glimpse of the Gospel. An ultimate Savior and great Deliverer is on the way - Joseph is simply a momentary example. His family's move from Canaan to Goshen ultimately sets the stage for the great exodus to come. It also fulfills a piece of God’s covenant with Abraham when he said:
“Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. You, however, will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” Genesis 15:12-16
Joseph’s story of forgiveness, redemption, and love point us to the ultimate redeemer - Jesus.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Genesis 44-45
Highlight
“But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance” (45:7). Where did Joseph get this perspective? Where did he get the strength to forgive his brothers? The Bible does not share all of those details but we do see equal growth between Joseph and his brothers. Judah is ready to do all in his power to save Benjamin when years before, he sold Joseph. Joseph had all the power at his disposal and he extended grace. He knew God was working, he simply had to wait and persevere through the plan.
Joseph’s story of saving his family is a small glimpse of the Gospel. An ultimate Savior and great Deliverer is on the way - Joseph is simply a momentary example. His family's move from Canaan to Goshen ultimately sets the stage for the great exodus to come. It also fulfills a piece of God’s covenant with Abraham when he said:
“Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. You, however, will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” Genesis 15:12-16
Joseph’s story of forgiveness, redemption, and love point us to the ultimate redeemer - Jesus.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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