Release your Burdens
Gen 43:6 And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother? 7 And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?
What is it that we would rather men did not know about? Knowing about these things will put us at a disadvantage. Perhaps an indiscretion, or a lie or something we have and do not want to release. Are you like the couple – Ananias and Sapphira who thought to lie to the Church. Many are like this, we suspect that if certain information is released it would lead to future loss of reputation or we may be asked to give more than we intend to give.
What an unfortunate conclusion … another self-deception. The most High knows all already. Did Joseph not know that they had another brother who was not with them? Does Jesus not know what you are keeping back from Him. He does and He asks you not because He does not know but because He does.
Did our maker not give all to us? Why is it so tough to surrender all to Him. Can He not give us again and again? He who gave us our very breath and created all … is it too much for Him to ask us to surrender all to Him. He said He made all for his pleasure not for ours. It pleased God to scar the soul of Jacob in demanding the release of Benjamin … but it was too small to ask for given what He had planned ahead … a pleasant surprise in Egypt.
Release all your burdens to Jesus. He is so real and so full of mercy. Jesus knows it all and has a solution in store in the future if only you will stop blaming circumstances and raking up your past. At the heart of inability to see the beautiful provisions for God is our past guilt. The devil loves to assail our joys with snippets of the past so we will not be able to enter into his merciful provisions and remain tied in bitter memories. Jacob has no expectation of any good from God because of his guilt. His sons likewise. Let go of the guilt. Release the past and enjoy new provisions ahead. It may not be clear to you how God will move. The famine may be more real than the comforts of Goshen, but still be assured that His word and promises will come to pass.
Also, God loves a joyful giver … may we have more grace to give our life and place everything totally in your hands. God will help you come out gloriously. Stand on His word. Stop blaming people … your sons, brothers or pastor … stop blaming yourself. Release the guilt. Soon it will be time for rejoicing. Release what He has asked of you … whatever is released to Christ is safe and ultimately returns blessed, increased and strengthened.
Song.
Were the whole realm of nature mine
It were an offering far too small.
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Prayer: O Lord, That which I cherish the most, I give it to you. Help me to give joyfully and not grudgingly. Amen
The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa
