Genesis 43:23 “It’s all right,” he said. “Don’t be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.
You’ll notice that I have pulled the last verse from yesterday into today’s reflection. That is because it is still resonating with me. Not only the steward’s words–“It’s alright. Don’t be afraid.”–but also the fact that he’s a steward–not the lowest of positions but certainly not the highest–and yet, God used words spoken by a steward to calm my anxious heart.
Genesis 43:24 The steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet and provided fodder for their donkeys.
I have had it in my mind for a long time that God uses big people–people of position and authority, people of rank and note, Biblical stalwarts. What I am learning as an adult reading and studying the Bible is that God uses people. Period. Messy, broken, imperfect. It’s one of the reasons I share these devos each day. God can use me to encourage others. He can use you, too.
Genesis 43:25 They prepared their gifts for Joseph’s arrival at noon, because they had heard that they were to eat there.
Precious Savior, If your measurement for using people in Your kingdom work is perfection, none of us stand a chance. Thankfully, that’s not who You are. I am so far from perfect, Lord, but if You can use me to uplift and encourage others, if You can use me to point others to You or help calm their anxious hearts, please do. I am Yours–imperfectly, brokenly, completely. I love You. Amen.
Genesis 43:26 When Joseph came home, they presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before him to the ground.
Have a blessed day.