Genesis 45:16-24

16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, 18 and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.’ 19 “You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. 20 Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.’”

21 So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey. 22 To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes. 23 And this is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey. 24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!”

New International Version (NIV)

Parting words. What was the best advice you received from your family as you headed out on a trip?  “Watch out for the other guy,” my dad used to say. He never went to sleep as long as his kids were on the road. I thought that was crazy until my kids started to drive to other places. Then I wondered why the age for driving was so young. Things with wheels can be dangerous.

Joseph’s brothers came on donkeys but went home with wheels. As they headed out, loaded with all the treasures of Egypt, Joseph gave them these parting words: “Don’t quarrel on the way.” Even after their years of separation from him, Joseph remembered his brothers’ propensity to argue with each other. Sending them to get his father, he asked them not to quarrel. Good advice!

What is it about trips that makes us so prone to argue? For some years I traveled with four friends on four days a week from Waco to Fort Worth to go to seminary. We liked each other. But too much togetherness was sometimes too much. Growing up in a family with three brothers prepared me. We laugh now at the things over which we used to disagree. 

With whom are we quarreling these days? A family member? An old friend? A fellow believer? Reading forward, I wonder what Jesus would say to his people who find ourselves together on the Way? Conventions and board meetings sometimes bring out the worst in God’s people. I remember quarrels in church business meetings, too. Joseph’s words become Jesus’ words to us today: since you have found me, the Way, don’t quarrel with each other. Lay down your swords. Go with God and his people in peace.

Pray with me:

Father, thank you for providing perfect peace to all who follow you. Let us not vandalize the shalom today. We take our cue from Jesus, the Way in which we are walking today. Help us to make room in our hearts and words to bless others and not to curse. Thank you for your endless supply of grace.  We receive it freely. Help us to give grace to others, too, confident that you will never run out. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Our Monday through Friday devotionals are in the book of Genesis this year. Join us for these devotionals as we learn together about our God and his Kingdom in the world.  

We also invite you to join us as we read through the Bible. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:

2025 Bible Reading Plan

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