Our Burden-Bearer

Daily Reading: Genesis 42

Scripture Focus: And Jacob their father said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and now you would take Benjamin. All this has come against me.” (Genesis 42:36)

Devotional Thought: Joseph had had two dreams; in one, his harvested sheaf had risen above his brothers’ sheaves. His second dream was like it: the sun, the moon, and eleven stars had bowed down to him. Both dreams symbolized his position of authority and power over his family. His brothers didn't like it! They sold him into slavery!

In fulfillment of these dreams, Joseph ended up in Egypt where he was in charge of the grain for all the land. Due to a severe famine, his brothers travelled to Egypt to ask for grain. Not recognizing their brother, they bowed in humility before him. Joseph withheld his identity from them and in so doing gives us opportunity to see the impact of their sin: guilt (v21), distress (v21), contention (v22), trembling (v28), fear (v35), and bereavement (v36).

Isn’t this a perfect and fitting description of the consequences of sin in our own lives?

Though many years had gone by since Joseph’s brothers had sinned against him, the consequences of that sin were still affecting the entire family. So it is with our own sin – the sin that we try to brush off or sweep under the rug will nevertheless affect us, our families, and those around us. It lays on us guilt, distress, contention, fear and bereavement. It is, indeed, a heavy burden. But, Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

-Jenny

Prayer: Lord, cleanse us from the filthiness of our own sins. We know that the wages of sin is death, and the consequences of sin are far-reaching and long-lasting. Lead us in the way everlasting, we pray. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation 6 and my God.My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. (Psalms 42:1-7)