The AMI QT Devotionals from February 19-25 are provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church (Raleigh). David, a graduate of Drexel University and Columbia International University (M.Div.) is married to Helen (“Pie”) and they have three beautiful daughters (Cara, Phoebe, and Ruth).
Devotional Thoughts for Today
The God Who Never Forgets
Genesis 47:1-6
So Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan. They are now in the land of Goshen.” 2 And from among his brothers he took five men and presented them to Pharaoh. 3 Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.” 4 They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. And now, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.” 5 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”
A few years ago, I had forgotten to pick up my daughter after school. I remember that I had gotten extremely busy that day with work and meetings and I eventually forgot what time it was. Her school eventually called me and when I picked her up, she was quick to forgive me for being late, but the reality is that no one likes to be forgotten.
As we have been looking at the life of Joseph, one theme that is emphasized is that God never forgets about His people and He is faithful to keep His promises. Even when we look back to Genesis 39 when Joseph was in prison – in what looked like hopelessness and despair, it says that, “the Lord was with him.” (v.23). The Lord had never forgotten about Joseph especially when circumstances looked dark.
In today’s passage, Joseph successfully persuades Pharaoh to allow his family to settle in the land of Goshen. Because of Joseph, virtually boundless favor was extended to Jacob’s family. Unbelievably, in addition to keeping his initial promise of the best of the land, Pharaoh even offered the brothers employment as superintendents of the royal cattle. God’s hand and favor was continually on Joseph.
Do you feel like God has forgotten about you at times? Do you feel like he is distant? When we look at the life of Joseph, it reminds us that He is working in every detail of our lives. He is always faithful to his promises and because of that truth; we are called to respond in obedience.
Prayer: Lord, thank You always for keeping Your promises. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help me today to be joyous, hopeful and loving, knowing that I serve a tender loving God. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 4
Lunch Break Study
Read 1 Peter 1:3-9: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Questions to Consider
- According to Peter, what is the reason for our hope?
- How should we look at our trials and what is the purpose of them?
- How can we be comforted by this passage?
Notes
- Peter reminds the believers in this letter to look at Christ’s great mercy and the inheritance that is imperishable and will never be taken away from us. That is the reason why we have hope.
- We go through trials because it shows us the genuineness of our faith (v. 7). We can rejoice with joy because we have been saved by his great love (v. 8-9).
- We can be assured of a living hope that will never be taken away from us as believers.
Evening Reflection
Take some time reflecting on the passages you read today. What challenged you? Take time to think about how you will apply it in your life.