DCLM Daily Manna 2025: DCLM Daily Manna 18 July 2025: Divine Deliverance and Exaltation
Text: Acts 7:9-16 (KJV)
“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 11 Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. 13 And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. 14 Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. 15 So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. 16 And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
KEY VERSE: (Acts 7:9)
And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him.
Have you ever been a victim of an unholy alliance of people envious of your superior social background or skills? Your pain was severe, and you probably retreated into your shell, promising to have little or nothing to do with them in the future. Many people have travelled the same road as the case of Joseph, cited by Stephen in his defence before the Sanhedrin.
Joseph’s rise from slavery to the palace is well known in the Bible. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, who were jealous of the favoured treatment he was receiving from their father and to prevent the actualisation of his dream of becoming their leader. Nonetheless, the Lord was with Joseph and endowed him with wisdom that earned him favour in the sight of others. He later became the governor of Egypt under Pharaoh (Genesis 39:1-6,41:37-45).
The first lesson we can learn from this story is that carnal comparison is the breeding ground for envy and jealousy, which John Dryden described as the jaundice of the soul. We should be content with whatever God has given us (Psalm 37:1; Philippians 4:10-13). We should also not be envious for the sake of other people (Numbers 11:25-29). Second, the unregenerated man will always revolt against God’s chosen leaders. This was the experience of Joseph and Jesus Christ (John 1:11). Third, the rejection by man does not necessarily cancel God’s blessings in an individual’s life. In all his afflictions, the Lord was with Joseph (Genesis 39:2,21-23). Not until we accept Christ as our Saviour can we enjoy God’s abiding presence (Psalm 91:15). The negative experiences turned out to be God’s route to elevate Joseph to the destined height. This is why the Bible says all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
If you find yourself in the valley because of the envy of others, do not despair. Through faith and patience, you will inherit the promise (Hebrews 6:12).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Envy is toxic; avoid it.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Chronicles 21-23
Daily Manna 18 July 2025
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