14th July 2025

The Loneliest of Man

But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy . . .

 Genesis 39:21

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis 39:11-22.

On 20 July 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped out of their lunar landing module and became the first humans to walk on the surface of the moon. But we don’t often think about the third person on their team, Michael Collins, who was flying the command module for Apollo 11. After his teammates clambered down the ladder to test the lunar surface, Collins waited alone on the far side of the moon. He was out of touch with Neil, Buzz and everyone on earth. NASA’s mission control commented, “Not since Adam has any human known such solitude as Mike Collins.”

There are times when we might feel completely alone. Imagine, for instance, how Joseph, Jacob’s son, felt when he was taken from Israel to Egypt after his brothers sold him (Genesis 37:23–28). Then he was thrust into further isolation by being thrown in prison on false charges (39:19–20).

How did Joseph survive in prison in a foreign land with no family anywhere nearby? Listen to this: “While Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him” (v 20–21). Four times we are reminded of this wonderful and comforting truth in Genesis 39.

Do you feel alone or isolated from others? Hold on to the truth of God’s presence, promised by the Lord Jesus Himself: “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Know this, with Jesus as your Saviour, you are never alone.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, please help me know, as You have promised in the Scriptures, that You are with me as You were with Joseph. Thank You. In Jesus name. Amen.