January 17th

Genesis 45:16-47:27

We witnessed the reunion of Joseph and his family. It pleased Pharaoh to see this take place, so much, in fact, that he ordered Joseph to relocate his father and family to Egypt. Pharaoh offered them Goshen (near the north end of Egypt’s Nile River delta, towards the Mediterranean Sea). It was the most fertile land in Egypt and perhaps the best land to be had in all the known world at the time. This scene is a great reminder that God takes care of His people.

However, I would like to focus our attention today on a side story. It is mentioned twice in the story of Joseph that shepherds were despised in Egypt” (43:32; 46:34). The NASB describes them as “loathsome.” To be loathsome means to be disgusting or detestable. Shepherds were considered the lowest wrung of society; yet, when Jacob, or Israel, met Pharaoh for the first time, he blessed him (47:7, 10).

Here we have, on a smaller scale, the portrayal of a larger picture; God’s people, the Jews, have historically been loathsome to the nations of the earth, and yet, as promised, they are history’s biggest blessing, in that through them God provided the Savior of all men.

Furthermore, Christians, in general, are viewed as loathsome to the people of the earth; and yet, we carry with us the message of Christ’s love and hope, which over time has proven to be a blessing to those who hear it.

Daily Reflection

Jesus told us that we, as His followers, would be despised by the world because of His name. It is still true. We are considered loathsome in many places.

Why do you think that is? Why does the world see Christians as loathsome? Why despise us?

When those around us get to know us and see the character and heart of Christ demonstrated in our lives, they should be blessed. Can you say that about your life? Are you a blessing to the unbelievers with whom you come in contact? If not, you should be.

What are some ways that you could go the extra mile to be a blessing to those around you, to those who don’t know Christ as their Savior?

I would challenge you to bless others regularly on behalf of your Savior, to dispel the loathsome stigma that our world has about Christians.

“Let your light so shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

BiAY.org Day 17 — 348 Days to Go