The Study of Genesis – Post Nineteen
***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 19th devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 31 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next couple of weeks.
Focus: Genesis 45
Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.
This week’s devotion includes:
Chapter 45 – “Here Comes the Wagons”
(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)
Bible Memory:
Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?
Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.
This Week’s Memory Verse — “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” – Genesis 45:5
Genesis Chapter 45
“Here Comes the Wagons”
(Read Genesis Chapter 45 First)
After Judah begs to take Benjamin’s place, something in Joseph finally breaks. The Bible says he could not refrain himself. He cries out for everyone to leave the room except his brothers. This moment is too personal for spectators.
Then Joseph weeps so loudly that the Egyptians and even the house of Pharaoh hear him outside the room.
Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers.
“I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?”
His brothers are terrified. Scripture says they could not answer him. Have you ever felt so guilty, shameful, or fearful that it silences you?
So Joseph gently tries again.
“Come near to me, I pray you.”
And when they draw closer, he says something so life-giving!
“Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves… for God did send me before you to preserve life.”
Joseph doesn’t deny what they did.
But he also explains what God did. God sent him. God used it.
That’s such a lesson for us.
Sometimes people truly wrong us. Deeply. And no, God never excuses sin, but He is wonderful at weaving redemption through it. Joseph was able to see the bigger picture: the famine was coming, peoples lives were at stake, and God positioned him where he needed to be even through betrayal.
So what are we supposed to do when we’re wronged?
1. Forgive
Ephesians 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Forgiveness isn’t only for when it feels fair or when someone deserves it. The standard is Christ who is tenderhearted, forgiving, and extends grace we ourselves live on daily.
2. Don’t Repay Evil for Evil
Romans 12:17–19 – “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
This is hard. Especially when justice feels delayed or nonexistent. But God makes it clear: vengeance is His department, not ours.
3. Overcome Evil with Good
Romans 12:21 – “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
You don’t win by matching their behavior. You win by refusing to let bitterness settle in and change your heart.
4. Pray for Them
Matthew 5:44 – “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Look at these verbs (actions) we are to do in that verse… Love. Bless. Do good. Pray. Those four words don’t mean what happened was okay, but they do mean you’re refusing to stay chained to it.
5. Leave Room for God to Work
Proverbs 20:22 – “Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.”
Waiting on the Lord can feel weak, but it actually takes tremendous strength. Self-control is harder than retaliation and far more powerful when you let the LORD fight for you.
Back in the story, Joseph makes it clear: “It was not you that sent me hither, but God.” In other words, don’t stay stuck in what you did to me. Look at what God has done with it. He’s made me ruler over Egypt. He’s turned what you meant for evil into good!
Then, Joseph falls on Benjamin’s neck and weeps. He kisses every brother. They cry together and they talk together.
Pharaoh hears what’s happening and is pleased. He sends wagons and tells them, “Don’t worry about your stuff, I’ll give you the good and the fat of the land.”
Joseph sends clothing, food, silver…and extra for Benjamin.
I always smile when Joseph tells his brothers not to “fall out by the way.”
When the brothers finally make it home and tell their Father, Jacob, the news, he doesn’t believe them at first…But then he sees the wagons.
And the Bible says,
“The spirit of Jacob their father revived.”
He had probably been holding his breath for years. Afraid to hope. Afraid to believe. But then the wagons of provision showed up. The evidence showed up. The proof showed up right in front of him.
Isn’t that such a picture of Christ and us?
We can’t see Him, but the Holy Spirit carries the message. And then wee see the wagons…provision we didn’t earn, peace we can’t explain, gifts we don’t deserve. They tell our hearts that He is alive!
Joseph was alive and he was governing in another land. He sent wagons to bring his family home.
Jesus is alive too. He’s reigning in His Kingdom, and He’s already sent what we need to get there.
Journal Questions:
• Is there someone in your life you’ve “forgiven” but not fully released in your heart?
• Write down the “wagons” God has sent you to remind you He is alive and faithful?
• Are you holding your breath in an area of life, afraid to hope again?
• What would it look like to trust that God can use even the painful parts of your story for life?
The Georgia Nest 