Joseph's Charity

View daily reading plan: Genesis 47:11-12; 2 Peter 1:7

It is instructive to notice the order in which Joseph administered his charity. The Bible says he “nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father’s household” (Gen 47:12). We should always be mindful that our Father takes precedence in our devotion.

Joseph was also benevolent towards his brethren. Peter’s understanding of “unfeigned love of the brethren” is that we “love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Pet 1:22). Joseph would concur that such love should not be hypocritical and ought to be energetically sincere. He did not solely focus his love upon those he was closely related to. He was mindful of “all his father’s household”. “As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all” (Gal 6.10).

Having catered for these parties, Joseph proved himself to be “a fruitful bough … whose branches run over the wall” (Gen 49:22). He ensured that the people of his day experienced his blessing too. How consistent with our God who desires “all men to be saved” (1 Tim 2:4).
 
 

Tuesday, 4 June, 2024