30 Day Sibling Challenge - Day Seven

Day Seven – All Things Are Made Right
^“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”  ~Romans 8:28-29

Joseph went through many trials after this all happened. Yet I am sure his brothers did as well. Yet we see that God uses all things for the good of those who are called. All things work to make us more into the image of Christ. Joseph did seem to be quite a brat at 17 when we first saw him. He was tattling on his brothers and flaunting his fancy coat made for the favorite child. Yet God had an amazing work ordained for him that would save the lives of many people including his own brothers.

Not only can we see how Joseph was changed but this event changed his brother’s lives as well. They all came out looking more like Jesus and I think these pictures of self-sacrifice on the behalf of another can point us to Jesus in the New Testament.

You can see the whole story of this family and Joseph’s trials in Genesis 38-45. However our passage today is Genesis 45:1-15. Read it together.

1-What stood out to you from this passage?

2-In verse five, though Joseph’s brothers acted in sin, what was God’s plan for getting Joseph to Egypt?

If you are in a time of trial it can be difficult and throw you for a loop because you do not understand it. However, here we see a much older Joseph who learned from all his earlier mistakes that could trust God even in the storms and most importantly forgive His brothers injustices. No matter the brat that he was, he did not deserve to be sold into slavery, yet God used it to save those who committed the injustice. The world would refuse to sell food to such people, yet God forgives. The example of Joseph is a foreshadowing of Christ and the forgiveness He freely extends to us. With that we need to be able to freely forgive those others even those who truly hurt us.

Today’s Action
I want you to take a long look at your heart. Is there any unforgiveness there toward your family? If so take time to write it all out and then determine to forgive. Look to Christ as the example to give you the strength to do this. Then as Joseph blessed, find a way to bless your siblings today.

Parent’s Action
Again, like your children, do the same and search your heart for any unforgiveness. Take time to bless your family today in little ways that are meaningful to them.