God’s plan
by Pastor Mark Gierus
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But Joseph said, ‘Far be it from me to do such a thing! Only the man who was found to have the cup will become my slave. The rest of you, go back to your father in peace’ (Genesis 44:17).
Read Genesis 44:1–17
Joseph’s brothers have now bought grain for a second time and are returning to the land of Canaan to provide for their families. They have safely taken Benjamin with them and have also been given back their other brother, Simeon, who was left with Joseph after the first visit to Egypt for grain. They were on the way home, all accounted for, but Joseph had put a plan in place.
Joseph had instructed the steward of his house: ‘Fill the men’s sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each man’s silver in the mouth of his sack. Then put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along with the silver for his grain.’
Soon after the brothers had left, Joseph sent his steward after them, accusing them of stealing, including the silver cup of Joseph. The brothers are bewildered, and the silver cup is found in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers are now to be slaves of Joseph, but he says that only the one found with the cup must stay, and the rest must return to their father in peace.
Joseph lives by faith – faith in God – and knows what he will do. He is not planning to punish his brothers for what they had done, but rather in faith to be a servant of the living God who will show his glory and purpose to them all as the story unfolds.
When you have been wrongly accused, fix your eyes on God in faith, and you will see the promises in his word that he is with you always and will never leave nor forsake you. Wait on him, trusting that he always has a plan to bless you and shape you for his purpose and, in the end, to show you and those around you that he is a loving and forgiving God who cares.
O God, when I find myself wrongly accused, help me to turn to you. Please help me to call on your name and trust you. You will always do more for me than I can imagine because you love me. You defend me because I am yours. You have called me by name, and you will keep me safe. Amen.
Pastor Mark Gierus currently serves as a Lutheran pastor in Redland Bay, Alberton and Woongoolba in Queensland. He has three beautiful girls aged 8, 11 and 21, and he enjoys hiking with them, going to the beach, singing and jamming, looking after their pets as a family and going on road trips. Mark prays that God will continue to bless you as you grow in him and come to know him more and more through his life-giving eternal word.
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