Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 43:1-15.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+43&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this:  take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds.  Take double the money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks;  perhaps it was a mistake.  Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man;  and may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man, so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin.  And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”  So the men took this present, and they took double the money in their hand, and Benjamin;  then they arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph.”   Genesis 43:11-15.  

———————-

Israel (a/k/a Jacob) did not want his son Benjamin to go with his other sons to Egypt;  but, the famine in the land continued to be severe and Joseph demanded that Benjamin appear with them if they went back to Egypt.  Israel had no choice if he wanted his family to live.  But, we noticed that he did more than pray, so to speak, “may God Almighty grant you compassion”.  Israel sent a gift for Joseph with his sons.

Today’s devotion will meditate on the wisdom of doing so and some types of gifts that can be given when we want to appease or please someone.

“The fury of a king is like messengers of death,
But a wise man will appease it.” Proverbs 16:14-15.

“After coming into the house they (magi from the east a/k/a wise men) saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11.

“And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,
And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.” Psalm 27:6.

“He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me;
And to him who orders his way aright
I shall show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23.

But, most importantly, like Israel’s sons brought Benjamin to Joseph in order to gain Joseph’s favor and live, so to speak, we need to bring Christ to God in order to gain God’s favor and live.  “He who has the Son has the life;  he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”  1 John 5:12.  “… “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased;  …”  Matthew 17:5.