“So Joseph sent his brothers off, and as they left, he called after them, “Don’t quarrel about all this along the way!” 25 And they left Egypt and returned to their father, Jacob, in the land of Canaan. 26 “Joseph is still alive!” they told him. “And he is governor of all the land of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned at the news—he couldn’t believe it. 27 But when they repeated to Jacob everything Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons Joseph had sent to carry him, their father’s spirits revived. 28 Then Jacob exclaimed, “It must be true! My son Joseph is alive! I must go and see him before I die.”” Genesis 45:24-28NLT
Our heavenly Father,
Bad news travels fast they say and it spreads quick! But good news reaches the places deep within us, and it changes us and it inspires us. It inspired the brothers to go home and tell their father Joseph was still alive. What news that was! I wonder if they left the details of how he ended up in Egypt unknown of if they confessed? Joseph told then to tell their father everything they had seen in Egypt not what they had done. (Genesis 45:13).
Sometimes we do not need to be beaten up about our mistakes, we know them very well and are sorry. But sometimes we do need to be reminded not to quarrel along the way! Your Son Jesus who walked among us knew all our weaknesses and failures. He was always reminding us to make peace with our brother or sister before worship (Matthew 5:23-24). To forgive others sin as we have been forgiven (Luke 11:4). A quarrel can be major of minor. The brothers could have argued about who was most guilty of getting rid of Joseph. But they all took part in the wrong. Even those who did nothing to save him.
No argument here Father, we need Your daily help. We are all guilty of sin. Holy Spirit guide us through the intricacies of today whether we are busy, resting or coping keep us in Your peace and not quarreling along the way.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 18th January 2025
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
2 Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.
3 Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away
In Jesus keeping we are safe, and they.
4 Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.
5 It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease,
and Jesus call to heaven’s perfect peace.
Lyrics: Edward Henry Bickersteth