Day 17: Gen 45:1 - 47:30

For the most part, this whole passage is just wrapping up all of the loose ends from the story of Joseph, but it still has such a wonderful feeling to it. After all that Joseph went through and after all of the horrible things that were done to him, in the end, he had forgiven his brothers, made sure that they were trustworthy again, and then he blessed them more than they could have ever imagined. Now I know I've focused alot on Joseph and how difficult things were for him and how he came through everything, but now I want to take a look at his brothers for just a moment. I know we've all had times in our lives and done certain things that we felt we would never be free from. I can only imagine how Joseph's brothers ended up feeling after all they had done to their little brother. And for a while when they were trying to buy food, it seemed as though they were finally getting what they deserved for being so horrible to their little brother. But even after all they did, God was still watching over them and even if they didn't necessarily deserve it, they received forgiveness and that one recurring theme throughout the Bible - Sweet Redemption!

- Lord, thank You for Your redeeming grace on our lives. It's easy to stumble and think that there's no way we will ever get back up, but You will always be there to pick us back up and restore the blessing on our lives. Thank You for your love and your mercy and help me to always show the same love and mercy to everyone around me. -