READ Genesis 42
Joseph's brothers go to Egypt.
 
INSIGHT
This puzzling chapter becomes more enlightening when we suggest that Joseph was testing his brothers to discover if they would treat Benjamin differently than they had treated him. The issue was whether or not they could be trusted to bring Joseph's beloved brother to him without harm. While Joseph's heart cried out for reconciliation with his family, he was being cautious for Benjamin's sake. Joseph was wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove (Matthew 10:16). We should be the same.
 
PRAYER
Give heart-felt praise to the all-wise, all-loving God:
God is wise and all-powerful. Who has opposed him and come out unharmed? (Job 9:4).
 
Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not conceal my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the guilt of my sin (Psalm 32:5).
 
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God's will, voice your affirmation of His Word:
Bring joy to your servant’s life,
because I appeal to you, Lord.
For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive,
abounding in faithful love to all who call on you
(Psalm 86:4-5).
 
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Greater wisdom in dealing with the problems you face in your life on a daily basis
• Wisdom for your church's leaders
• Your prayer list

 
Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his faithful love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim
that he has redeemed them from the power of the foe
(Psalm 107:1-2).