Courage in the Face of Kings

According to Pharaoh’s instructions, the Hebrew midwife was to watch closely as the baby emerged. She was immediately to discover the sex of the child as it came forth from the womb and to snuff out its life if she noticed it was a male—possibly suffocating the little boy before he ever uttered his first cry.

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God Knows

The Egyptians’ insecurity and abhorrence for their Jewish neighbors eventually led to savagery. I find that interesting. It strikes me that if you are prone to violent anger and brutality, it might be wise for you to back off and ask yourself what you’re afraid of.

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The Hinge of History

Baby Moses opened his eyes on a world very different from our own. Although neither his mother nor father knew it, the birth of this man-child launched a series of events that would change the course of nations and shape the destiny of millions.

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Attitude Adjustment

On top of his forgiveness and reassurance, he “made them an offer they couldn’t refuse.” He urged them to return and bring their father to this land, where they could enjoy relief from their barren existence.

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A Reflection of Christ

Joseph’s life offers us a magnificent portrayal of the grace of God as He came to our rescue in the Person of His Son, Jesus. So many come to Him, like Joseph’s guilty brothers, feeling the distance and fearing the worst from God, only to have Him demonstrate incredible generosity and mercy.

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A Banquet of Grace

Benjamin, interestingly, was served portions five times the size of the other men. Those hungry Hebrews must have thought they’d died and gone to glory. Benjamin himself may have thought, I know I’m thin, but this is ridiculous. What’s going on here?

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Led by Grace

“Am I in God’s place?” Joseph asked them. Had he been a lesser man, he could have played “king of the mountain” and filled the role of God. “Grace killers” do that sort of thing. They exploit the power they have over others.

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Those Final Moments

Despite his age and infirmity, Jacob’s memory was nothing short of remarkable. He could name each one of his boys, and he could describe their individual natures and recall with pertinent detail the lives they had lived.

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Lasting Impact

Because Joseph had been a special son to Jacob, Joseph’s sons were special to their grandfather as well. The NIV study notes on this portion of the text state that Jacob, at his death, adopted Joseph’s first two children as his own and in doing that divided Joseph’s inheritance in the land of Canaan between them.

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Final Promise

“Swear to me, Joseph—promise me this,” Jacob said. “Place your hand under my thigh and swear.” Making promises to the dying is nothing unusual. That is still done today. Frequently I have heard spouses or children tell of promises they made to a dying mate or a parent.

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