Genesis 42, ep. 85

Hi, I’m Sal Lopez Executive Director of Ozark Hunger Relief, I am doing this to hopefully find some sponsors (tax deductible donations) for an office in Prairie Grove, Ar. I have seen and fed many children who wander around here. I thought if I started a non-profit, the community would be happy to help. Nope! I’ve had nothing but suspicion, derision, denial, and was ripped off for everything I had, by another food pantry. They offered to help, then when I delivered everything, I had, then they told me to stay away from them, but subsequently asked me for more donations. It has been horribly depressing, but I will persevere and get this office open.
My vision is to be a community resource center, but the main goal is to feed hungry kids, whose parents are drug addicts, and/or alcoholics. I guess some are just poor. Anyway, I need help and will advertise for you, and have signs of acknowledgement for every donor, proportionate for the donation.
Anyway, this episode is on Genesis 42, here are some thoughts on it.

Dear friends, beloved in Christ, let us open the inerrant Word of God today to Genesis 42—a chapter filled with the drama of human struggle, divine providence, and the call to repentance. The Bible, God’s holy and perfect Word, reveals to us the story of Joseph and his brothers, a story that points us straight to the heart of God’s redemptive plan. Hallelujah, what a Savior we serve!

In Genesis 42, we see the unfolding of God’s sovereign plan. A great famine has struck the land, just as God had revealed to Joseph years before. Joseph, now a mighty ruler in Egypt, is overseeing the storehouses of grain, while his brothers in Canaan are starving. Jacob sends ten of his sons to Egypt to buy food, not knowing they would come face to face with the brother they sold into slavery long ago. Friends, this is no accident! The Bible says in Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” God was at work, orchestrating every detail to bring about reconciliation and redemption.

When the brothers arrive, they bow before Joseph, not recognizing him. But Joseph knows them, and he speaks to them harshly, calling them spies (Genesis 42:9). Now, why would Joseph do that? I believe God was using Joseph to stir their consciences. These brothers had sinned grievously against Joseph years before, selling him into slavery out of jealousy and hatred. For twenty years, they had lived with that guilt. And now, God, in His mercy, was bringing them to a place of conviction.
Look at what happens in verse 21: “They said to one another, ‘Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.’” My friends, that’s the voice of a guilty conscience! The Bible tells us in Romans 2:15 that God has written His law on our hearts, and when we sin, our conscience bears witness against us. These brothers were feeling the weight of their sin, and God was using that famine, that journey, and Joseph himself to bring them to repentance.

Oh, how merciful our God is! He doesn’t leave us in our sin. He pursues us, convicts us, and draws us back to Him. The inerrant Word of God shows us that time and again. Joseph’s brothers thought they could bury their sin, but God brought it to light—not to destroy them, but to save them. And that’s what God wants for you today, my friend. If you’re carrying the burden of sin, if your conscience is heavy, God is calling you to repentance. The Bible says in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” That’s a promise you can stand on!

Now, Joseph tests his brothers further. He keeps Simeon as a hostage and sends the others back with grain, but he secretly returns their money in their sacks. When they discover this, they tremble and say, “What is this that God has done to us?” (Genesis 42:28). They’re beginning to see God’s hand in their circumstances, and it terrifies them. But friends, this is the beginning of their redemption! God often uses trials to get our attention, to turn our hearts back to Him. James 1:2-3 tells us to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” God was working in the lives of Joseph’s brothers, and He’s working in your life too.

What’s the lesson for us today? First, we must trust in God’s providence. Even when life seems chaotic, even when famine strikes, God is in control. He was with Joseph in the pit, in the prison, and in the palace. And He is with you, right where you are. Second, we must heed the call to repentance. If there’s sin in your life, don’t hide it—confess it to Jesus. He died on the cross for you, shed His precious blood to wash you clean. The Bible says in Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” That name is Jesus!

I want to close by saying this: Genesis 42 is a chapter of hope. It shows us that God can take the broken pieces of our lives—our sins, our mistakes, our pain—and weave them into His perfect plan. Joseph’s brothers were on a journey to redemption, and so are you. Will you come to Jesus today? Will you surrender your life to Him? Let’s pray:

Father God, we thank You for Your holy Word, which is truth. Thank You for the story of Joseph and his brothers, a story of Your grace and mercy. Move in every heart who hears this today, Lord. Draw them to Jesus, the Savior who died for them. In Jesus name we Pray, Amen.
Until next week my friends! have a glorious time, stay happy, happiness is a choice, stand up straight, smile, and good feelings will come to you, think of some blessings you have had, and focus on Happiness! You can change your future by being positive today! it will happen, just don't think of bad things or more bad things will happen, focus on your blessings!
God bless you, and may you walk in His light!