January 18th

January 18
Genesis 47:28-50:26

We completed the book of Genesis, and two of the great forefathers of God’s people passed away — Jacob, or Israel, and Joseph. Both men were used by God in unique ways — Israel to start a nation through his twelve sons and their families, and Joseph to rescue his father and family from a severe drought, to preserve them while God multiplied them into a nation. Joseph’s perspective on this incredible adventure is refreshing, as he forgave his brothers of their evil intentions and reaffirmed his faith and trust in the God of providence.

However, the predominant story today was that of Israel gathering his sons around him, at the end of his life, to prophecy of their futures. I’m sure that you noticed, as Israel described each of his sons and their destinies, how each of them was different. That’s not surprising, of course, knowing that none of us is exactly the same. The Bible says that “Israel blessed them all with a blessing that was appropriate to them” (49:28).

God, in His boundless creativity, made each of us with unique characteristics, unique perspectives, unique physical attributes, and unique paths in life to follow. Thus, He blesses all of us in unique ways, appropriate to our needs. Though oftentimes God deals with men as nations, as societies, as communities, as churches, and even as families, He also deals with us as individuals. Each person is important to the Lord, and He knows best what each of us needs. Thus, His blessings, His provision, and His plan are perfectly appropriate for who we are and what we need. God does not treat everyone with a cookie-cutter approach. We should take comfort in knowing that He desires a personal relationship with each one of us.

Daily Reflection

We are not told how the brothers reacted to the blessings given to them or to their siblings, but I can imagine that some were disgruntled with either their own destinies or even jealous of a brother’s blessing. Perhaps one of them even thought or uttered the words, “That’s not fair.”

While God deals with us as individuals, He does not give to people equitably; neither does He set us all on the same path. Everyone’s lot in life is different. Fairness is a fetish of ours. It does not originate with God but from Lucifer. He was the first to claim unfairness in heaven, and he quickly got Adam and Eve to do the same in Eden. When we claim unfairness, we take our eyes off of the Lord and place them on others.

Have you ever fallen for Satan’s fairness fetish and compared the lot of others to your own? What are some dangers that could come from paying too much attention to others’ blessings?

Peter once compared his future to that of John. Jesus quickly responded by saying, “What is that to you? You follow Me” (John 21:20-25). Your lot in life will not be the same as others; some people will be “better off” than you, but that’s okay. Your focus is not to be on others but on the Lord.

No matter your lot in life, you are called to be faithful to God. Are you grateful for what God has done in your life? Are you content with the blessings He’s given and not given you?

BiAY.org Day 18 — 347 Days to Go