Devotions on F.I.R.E. Year OneSample

For even His [Jesus’] brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5).

Do you worship and serve God, despite opposition?

Joseph and Jesus have something in common: They are subjected to persecution. Joseph is envied by his brothers since his father favors him and on account of his dreams. Yet he doesn’t retaliate because he knows that God uses all things for good. Later he tells them, “But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). He worships and serves God regardless of the persecution. Similarly, Jesus is systematically attacked by the religious hierarchy and regularly accused of violating the Sabbath. He refuses to cave to the pressure and states the following: “Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:12). In the very next verse, Matthew records Jesus again healing on the Sabbath.

Employment Point: Worship and serve God despite internal and external opposition.