Day 17: Genesis 41; Matthew 14:1-21

Galatians 5:6
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love." (ESV)
"When you’re joined to the Anointed One, circumcision and religious obligations can benefit you nothing. All that matters now is living in the faith that works and expresses itself through love." (TPT)

You and I know what lies ahead for Joseph...a grand and dramatic reunion with his betrayers. Because he responds in love, he is reunited with his father, and the unfolding salvation-plan of God is revealed to all of us. Well beyond seven years of living out his faith and walking in God's lead, Joseph finally received the longing of his heart. Yes, God blessed him in the meantime, but faith made him look beyond that blessing to His promise.

Jesus, the Bread of Life, taught His disciples (us) a valuable lesson in faith expressing itself in love. Grieving the loss of His cousin, John the Baptist, exhausted from His ministry to needy people, He withdraws to rest...but needy people have a way of finding need-meeters. Seeing the crowd, He demonstrated love by feeding them. So, meeting their need for food, in faith He prepares them for the ultimate food...the Bread of Eternal Life, the salvation of their souls. Rest will come for Him, this moment calls for faith expressing itself in love. The disciples obviously did not forget the lesson...all four gospels record it.

Once again, the lesson of faith stands out, and with good reason. True faith has its foundation in God's kind of love. Your faith lived in love becomes a way God reaches your world. Take heart! Keep trusting and living love...God has you in His loving care!