January 23

Genesis 44

Joseph’s older brothers are tested.

INSIGHT

Sometimes we get a second chance. When we do, it is important to seize the opportunity. Judah did. When his brothers plotted to kill Joseph, Judah intervened. But he still fell short of rescuing Joseph. Judah’s second chance came when, from his perspective, Benjamin’s life was in danger. Judah put his own life on the line. Perhaps this commitment was taken into account in the blessings he passed on to his sons, resulting in the Messiah coming through the tribe of Judah. Throughout life we are given second chances. We should take these chances and set things right.

PRAYER

Daily we have the second chance to offer praise to the God of grace:
You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He preserves the souls of His saints…
Light is sown for the righteous,
And gladness for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name (Psalm 97:10-12).

Now pray this confession to the Lord:
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise (Psalm 51:14-15).

As you confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, voice your affirmation of God’s Word:
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
(Romans 3:23-24)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Health and strength to serve Him
• His will to be done on earth
• Today’s activities

Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort our hearts and establish us in every good word and work.
(based on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)