Day 21 · January 21
A devotional for today
Today’s readings
- Old Testament: GENESIS 42:18-43:34
- New Testament: MATTHEW 13:47-14:12
- Psalm: PSALM 18:16-36
- Proverb: PROVERBS 4:7-10
Old Testament
Joseph’s brothers begin to change as famine presses them toward honesty, responsibility, and sorrow over old sin. Judah especially starts to emerge with a more sacrificial posture toward Benjamin and their father.
New Testament
Jesus teaches about the final separation of the righteous and wicked, then grieves the death of John the Baptist. The kingdom is both glorious and costly in a world that resists truth.
Psalm
Psalm 18 continues in gratitude for strength, training, and victory given by God. David confesses that his ability to stand came from the Lord’s empowering hand.
Proverb
Wisdom is supreme; get wisdom, and whatever it costs, get understanding. It exalts those who embrace it.
Discover
Jesus is the righteous Judge who will sort the nations and the faithful prophet greater than John whose truth will not be
silenced forever. In him, grace and accountability meet.
Reflect
Repentance often unfolds over time as pressure brings hidden wrong into the light. God uses both sorrow and grace to reshape hearts for truth and sacrifice. Fellowship Questions
What signs of repentance begin to appear among Joseph’s brothers?
Why does Jesus include both judgment and grief in today’s reading?
How has God strengthened you, as Psalm 18 describes?
What price are you willing to pay to gain wisdom?
Fellowship
Where did you see God’s providence at work even when he seemed hidden?
How does Joseph prepare us to understand Jesus?
What kind of heart is needed to receive the seed of the kingdom?
Which form of wisdom from Proverbs is most needed in your life right now?
Prayer
Righteous Lord, bring hidden sin into the light and remake my heart through grace. Strengthen me to value wisdom and truth above ease.
Lord Jesus, thank you that you meet the weary with rest and the broken with mercy. Give us eyes to see your providence in hidden places. Looking Ahead Next week Joseph’s family is reconciled, Israel descends to Egypt, and the Bible turns from Genesis to Exodus as God prepares an exodus through judgment and mercy. January 22 - Day 22
Live
Take responsibility for one wrong today without minimizing it or shifting blame.