The Reward
Scripture Reading — Genesis 45:14-24
Pharaoh said …“&lsquoI will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.’”
—Genesis 45:17-18
When redemption finally comes, it can surprise us with sudden blessings and delights. It’s as if there’s a cloudburst of goodness. The stream of healing renews everything along its course!
We watch Joseph throw his arms around Benjamin. Then, with kisses of friendship and more weeping, he shows forgiveness to all his older brothers. And they talk with him, catching up on years of news about their families, and, of course, their father too. How sweet it is!
In addition, Pharaoh, whose country has been spared and even strengthened by God through Joseph, is pleased when he hears that Joseph’s brothers have come. His grateful heart pours out a cavalcade of bounty: the best of everything in Egypt suddenly becomes theirs!
Pharaoh also invites Joseph’s brothers to bring their father and all their families to Egypt. So they head back to Canaan in wagons heaped with more surprises: clothing, grain, bread, provisions, and silver.
Can you believe that God’s blessings in abundance exist on the other side of repentance? What joy forgiveness and reconciliation can bring! It may be hard to imagine, but it’s true!
O God, thank you for the blessings you give us in Christ: love, reconciliation, joy, hope, wisdom, goodwill, comfort, and so much more. You supply more than we need. May we live by your grace and share your blessings with everyone around us. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Kenneth D. Koeman
Rev. Ken Koeman is a pastor at Bellevue, Washington, Christian Reformed Church. He has written Today devotions in past years and has also authored numerous articles for The Banner, the magazine of the Christian Reformed Church. Ken and his wife, Kay, live in Bellevue and have two children and five grandchildren.
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