Foundations Week 6, Day 2

Scripture Read:  Genesis 50 - Exodus 1
Title: The End of the Beginning
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."  Gen. 50:20

(E) Explain: When Jacob dies Joseph weeps and kisses him.  He tells the servants to embalm his father so his body can be preserved for the long journey ahead.  There is a time of great mourning for their father as the brothers return him to the land of promise. 
Joseph’s brothers fear for their lives again.  They fear Joseph was still harboring bitterness and revenge in his heart.  Now that their dad wasn’t around Joseph could easily take his vengeance.  However Joseph assures his brothers all is well and that God’s plan is perfect.  At the conclusion of this chapter the death of Joseph is detailed.  His body was not returned to the Promised Land until the Exodus of Moses,
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(A) Application:   As we conclude Genesis, we should understand that it is the story of God.  In the story we see the multiple blessings God has bestowed on his people.  One constant factor from the beginning to the end is God’s faithfulness.  Never once does God go back on his Word.  Never once does He fail to fulfill a promise.  Certainly there were times where individuals grew impatient in waiting for his promises to be fulfilled (and disaster usually followed) but God continually fulfills his promises, even today.  Genesis shows that God is a promise maker and a promise keeper.  His faithfulness displayed means that we, his children are blessed as well.   Why?  Because his promise of forgiveness, grace, and redemption will be fulfilled in our lives.  We are truly blessed because God has given to us promises and they will be fulfilled.

(R) Respond:  Lord, you are faithful.  You have proven this time and again throughout Genesis.  Remind me daily to hold this truth close to my heart.  Help me realize that no matter what I may be facing today is intended to make me stronger tomorrow.  Thank you for your faithfulness.  Thank you for your promises.  Thank you for Jesus.