This post is Day 21 in a series of studies about “The Life of Joseph”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.
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The Life of Joseph – Day 21
Genesis 43:33-34
The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment. When portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as anyone else’s. So they feasted and drank freely.
The Thought
One surprise followed another in this amazing story. The brothers must have been very surprised to see such a display of food set before them. They must also have been shocked that their food came from the table of the most important person in the room!
They had been struggling at home with small portions as they watched their supplies run out for a second time! They had travelled for days and now were under a lot of stress as this strange person in charge did not fit into their expectations!
And why was their youngest brother Benjamin being served a lot more than anyone else? The last sentence in our verses today suggests that the brothers did eventually relax and made the most of the provisions set before them, continuing to be surprised that portions were served to them from Joseph’s table!
Our God is still a God of surprises!
Action
Ask God today to remind you of some of the surprises He has given you throughout your Christian walk, or maybe even before! Maybe you know others who have had huge surprises from the Lord. He is a generous God and He doesn’t have favourites!
Praise Him today and invite Him to give you a good surprise in the near future. Remember that He is a loving father who loves to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11 & Luke 11:13).
Read one of those chapters today and praise God again for all He does for you.
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