Scripture Reading: Genesis 49:23-24 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:).
Reflections: Jacob contemplates his sons’ cruel act of selling their brother, Joseph, into slavery. He likens them to vicious archers. He then describes how Joseph overcame these “evil archers” with ‘his bow, which abode in strength.” Analyzing Joseph’s life in Egypt, where he was enslaved, imprisoned, and later rose to prominence (Genesis 39), will help you comprehend the phrase “his bow abode in strength.” The story illustrates how Joseph’s integrity, hard work, devotion, and selfless use of his gift of dream interpretation enabled him to prevail even under challenging circumstances. Living a life of integrity and hard work, as well as making selfless use of one’s talents and special abilities, is, therefore, a source of armament that enables one to soar through difficult situations and triumph over them. Maintain these exemplary traits in your life, as Joseph did! They are your most potent combat weapons.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me hold on to a life of integrity, hard work and selflessness.
Confession: I maintain a life of integrity, hard work and selflessness.
Prayer and counselling: abraham@wotchurch.org