SCRIPTURE: Genesis 42:18-38
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The brothers recognize that what they did to Joseph was wrong, but all these years it didn’t bother them because things went OK for them. Now they finally admit their sin publicly. Joseph seems to be toying with them, yet his heart is still sensitive towards them. Reuben has always had a sensitive heart, and here again he shows this when he offers his sons to his father. And Israel’s (Jacob) heart is too bruised to hold out hope. He cannot see God in these circumstances.
God is not obvious in this part of the story. As we shall see, God is at work behind the scenes, but it will not always be clear. It takes faith (seeing the unseen) to hang on to God when circumstances work against us.
PRAYER:
Lord, I can think of a number of circumstances in my life that do not seem to fit in any great plan. Today I choose to trust that somehow, somewhere, You are at work for good through them. Amen.
Do this and live, that is what the Master said are the words of a song long ago. Joseph’s words here reminded me of the song. The brothers ‘argued’ about their treatment of Joseph when out of prison. Reuben was the person saying I told you so. Our sins are ever before us. Time does not heal our sins, only the blood of Jesus.
The brothers had come to Egypt to buy food so they would not starve. Yet upon their arrival home, they all found their monies in with their grain. They were overcome with this kindness. Yet God in His rich mercy through Christ also supplies without money, without price. Come, buy and eat because freely I give, What a Saviour!
God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share His love as He told me to
He said: ‘Freely, freely, you have received
Freely, freely give
Go in My name, and because you believe
Others will know that I live.’
All power is given in Jesus’ name
In earth and heaven in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share His power as He told me to