Daily Reading: Genesis chapters 46 thru 50

Key Verse 49:22-26

Genesis 49 is where Jacob delivers his prophetic death bed message.  His final message to his sons would tell of their plot in life once they become tribes of Israel.  In verses 22-26 Jacob speaks of Joseph.  He called Joseph fruitful and blessed of God beyond any of his ancestors.  When we think of Joseph we tend to think about him being his father’s favorite son, his multi-colored coat, him being in charge of Potipher’s house, and being ruler over Pharaoh’s land. 

In verse 22 Jacob points out that Joseph has been bitterly attacked in his lifetime.  Joseph was hated by his brothers who plotted to kill him, sold into slavery, endured temptations of the flesh, falsely accused of attempted rape, and bound in prison for years.  Jacob points out that Joseph did not yield to the attack of the enemy.  The reason he did not yield is because he was strengthened and rescued by the “Mighty God of Jacob”.  We often struggle in our battles alone, forgetting that God is able to help us fight our battles.  Throughout all of the attacks mounted by the enemy, Joseph was able to grow closer to God and trust Him with unwavering faith. 

We have the privilege of having Jesus with us in our battles.  There was nothing Joseph could have prayed about that Jesus would not have understood.  Jesus was hated by His brothers (Jews), they plotted to kill Him, He was tempted by satan, falsely accused, sold for a price, bound by chains, forgave those who wronged Him, and what people did to hurt Him God turned it around for good.  If Joseph can still trust God after all he had been through, we should have no problem doing the same.  Can you trust God to help you fight your battles?  Will you be strengthened by the “Almighty God of Jacob”?