COCIN Church Devotional TOPIC: JOSEPH SUNDAY 28TH MAY 2023

SUB-THEME: PEOPLE WHO SOUGHT THE PEACE OF THE LAND.

TEXT: GENESIS 47:1-10.

1 After this, Joseph went to inform Pharaoh. “My father and brothers have come here from Canaan,” he said, “and they’ve come with their flocks, herds, and everything else they have. I settled them in the Goshen territory!” Gen 45:10

2 He brought along five of his brothers to present before Pharaoh.

3 Pharaoh asked his brothers, “What are your occupations?” “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our ancestors. Gen 46:34

4 We’ve come to live for a while in this region, since there is no pasture back in Canaan for your servants’ flocks. May your servants please live in the Goshen territory?”

5 Then Pharaoh replied to Joseph, “Now that your father and your brothers have come to you,

6 Egypt is at your disposal, so settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land! Let them live in the Goshen territory. If you learn that any of them are especially skilled, put them in charge of my livestock.”

7 Later, Joseph brought his father Jacob to Pharaoh and introduced him. Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

8 “How old are you?” Pharaoh asked Jacob.

9 “I’m 130 years old,” Jacob replied. “My years have turned out to be few and unpleasant, but I haven’t yet reached the age my ancestors did during their travels on earth.” Psa 119:19 Heb 11:9 Heb 11:13 [Job 8:9]

10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and then left the throne room.

TOPIC: JOSEPH

Joseph was destined for leadership. His siblings frustrated him and thought to have destroyed him and his dreams (37:19-20); but God’s plan can never be thwarted. Joseph kept faith through difficult challenges and was exalted to a position of honour by God. He did not seek revenge on his brothers; rather, welcomed them, introduced them to Pharaoh and settled them in Goshen, one of the fertile lands in Egypt and supplied their needs satisfactorily. This is love in action! Are you facing any opposition and frustration in your life? Do not despair. Be focused on God and do ‘his will. He will certainly fulfill his plans for you. Embrace Joseph’s lifestyle of endurance, forgiveness and hospitality even to household enemies.

Opposition cannot change the destiny of peacemakers.

PRAYER:

Father, help me to be kind to people around me. Amen.

.MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH: 3 JOHN 11.

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The person who does what is good is from God. The person who does what is evil has never seen God. Psa 37:27 Isa 1:16 1Pe 3:11 1Jn 3:6.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING: JOB 32-34.