Word for the day by Christian Education forum
Caring and Accepting the Elderly
Jessie Samuel
St. Andrews MTC, NY
11 Israel said to Joseph, “I did not expect to see your
face; and here God has let me see your children also.”
This is an all too familiar
passage for us. When Joseph became a slave, Jacob, his father, thought he
was dead and wept in despair. Eventually, God’s plan allowed Jacob to regain
not only his son, but his grandchildren as well. Circumstances are never so bad
that they are beyond God’s help. We need never to despair because we belong to
a loving God!
Verse 15 tells us how Jacob spoke of God as his shepherd throughout his life.
Even in his old age, he could clearly see his dependence upon God. This marks a
total attitude change from that of his dishonest youth. To develop an attitude
like Jacob’s, we need to allow God to shepherd us as we put our trust
in His provision and care. It is far better to trust God and realize that all
good things come from Him.
This passage tells us how Jacob gave the younger grandson Ephraim, instead
of his older brother Manasseh, the greater blessing. Jacob refused to listen to
Joseph’s objections because God had told him that Ephraim would become greater.
God often works in mysterious and unexpected ways. When He chooses people to
fulfill His plans, He always goes deeper than appearance or position.
God can use us to carry out His plans, even if we feel that we don't
have all the qualifications. All we need to do is listen and obey God's
call.
PRAYER
Father, we thank You for renewed
grace and a week full of promises. Lead us in Your ways and fill us with
Your joy. Help us to see how You used Jacob at an older age to bless those
around him. Guide every decision, every effort we take and let it be
for Your glory. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God sometimes surprises us by choosing the less obvious person, at
least by human reasoning.