No.14: The Brothers Return

Website Admin

Feb 23 |00:42 AM

Name & Bio

My name is Tory Stirling. I’m married to Mark and have a daughter Autumn who is 2 years old. We are expecting another wee baby in April! We have been coming to Carnmoney for nearly three years and thoroughly enjoy it. We both help to run i56 our House of Prayer and I have also recently joined the pastoral care team. Mark’s a fireman and I’m a full time mum but during time off we like to see mates and family, watch good movies, get Indian take away and go to nice coffee shops with a book. We also have a free pass to the Zoo which is pretty cool.

Bible Passage

Genesis 43:1- 44:34

What did you learn about God today?

When reading this passage I was struck by how these well known biblical characters were so human in their thinking and reactions to situations. We see Israel so concerned and troubled over the safety of his youngest son Benjamin. Judah, as the older brother, is courageous and often takes the situation into his own hands. He offers his father deep assurance and pleads with Joseph to take him as a slave rather of Benjamin. We read of Joseph’s emotional reaction to seeing his little brother and going away to weep in private. God has created each one of us so differently and so complex. Our character, our strengths and weaknesses and our hearts are so individual and need filled by God. I am struck by Joseph’s deep love for his brothers and his father. Despite the horrific treatment he received from them he still longs for the family to be restored. I think this is a reflection of God’s grace and awesome mercy that is shown to us. We deserve something so very different and yet He pours out his love and reaches out to us.

How is this relevant to your life?

This passage reminded me again of how God’s love and power can overcome any situation – no matter how unfair or unkind. Often, by my own efforts, forgiveness and reconciliation seem too difficult. But God’s grace and love can inspire and encourage me to move towards others. Nothing about the cross was fair or just! I draw strength from this and take steps towards forgiveness that at first seemed so impossible.

Joseph was not interested in the gifts his brothers brought to Him or being impressed by their efforts - He longed to hear of their happiness and to have relationship with them once again. In the same way, I am reminded there is nothing I can do to earn God’s favour or win His approval. God longs for my heart and waits for me to draw near to Him.

Name & Bio
My name is Tory Stirling. I’m married to Mark and have a daughter Autumn who is 2 years old. We are expecting another wee baby in April! We have been coming to Carnmoney for nearly three years and thoroughly enjoy it. We both help to run i56 our House of Prayer and I have also recently joined the pastoral care team. Mark’s a fireman and I’m a full time mum but during time off we like to see mates and family, watch good movies, get Indian take away and go to nice coffee shops with a book. We also have a free pass to the Zoo which is pretty cool.

Bible Passage
Genesis 43:1- 44:34

What did you learn about God today?
When reading this passage I was struck by how these well known biblical characters were so human in their thinking and reactions to situations. We see Israel so concerned and troubled over the safety of his youngest son Benjamin. Judah, as the older brother, is courageous and often takes the situation into his own hands. He offers his father deep assurance and pleads with Joseph to take him as a slave rather of Benjamin. We read of Joseph’s emotional reaction to seeing his little brother and going away to weep in private. God has created each one of us so differently and so complex. Our character, our strengths and weaknesses and our hearts are so individual and need filled by God. I am struck by Joseph’s deep love for his brothers and his father. Despite the horrific treatment he received from them he still longs for the family to be restored. I think this is a reflection of God’s grace and awesome mercy that is shown to us. We deserve something so very different and yet He pours out his love and reaches out to us.

How is this relevant to your life?
This passage reminded me again of how God’s love and power can overcome any situation – no matter how unfair or unkind. Often, by my own efforts, forgiveness and reconciliation seem too difficult. But God’s grace and love can inspire and encourage me to move towards others. Nothing about the cross was fair or just! I draw strength from this and take steps towards forgiveness that at first seemed so impossible. Joseph was not interested in the gifts his brothers brought to Him or being impressed by their efforts - He longed to hear of their happiness and to have relationship with them once again. In the same way, I am reminded there is nothing I can do to earn God’s favour or win His approval. God longs for my heart and waits for me to draw near to Him.