PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Genesis 43-44
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him.” (Genesis 43:9)
It is interesting to me that it is Judah who volunteers to risk death for his brother.
The same Judah that is said to be be the line of a coming ruler: “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.” (Genesis 49:10)
Jesus is of the tribe of Judah, and becomes known as the lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5).
Here Judah does what his future seed will do, taking responsibility for his captive brother.
“Let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy.” (Genesis 44:33).
I see this story as a beautiful revelation of how we as God’s family are restored.
A father that loves his child, and a brother that steps in to assure his safety.
This is not a legal transaction, this is a loving interaction, a sacrifice of love.
Judah was no saint, yet even he understood family love; how much more the God of all family?
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven…” (Matthew 7:11)
The Spirit is reminding me through Judah how much God and Jesus love us, love me!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for guaranteeing my safety, and for becoming personally responsible for me. Evil cannot keep me down when you are lifting me up!
” Your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father…Do not let me see the misery that would come on my father.”” Judah is like Jesus here. God wanted to spare mankind – God was grieved when mankind sinned. He wants our relationship restored – that we because we want to – as he wants us too – can fellowship with him. Jesus guaranteed our safety in front of a Holy God – our sinfulness is in the way if it weren’t for Jesus -. Judah placed himself as a substitute – more than a mediator. Jesus did that for us. Our lives are guaranteed by trusting in Jesus! Hallelujah, what a Saviour!
Really enjoyed reading Genesis 43-44 this morning. Currently taking the Alpha course at church and this story reminded us of a conversation about forgiveness — and what forgiveness means, if you can forgive without someone saying sorry. Jospeh’s brothers did not explicitly say sorry, but Joseph still forgave.
I was reminded that God’s plans are so much greater than my own and getting caught up in my own situation can stop me from taking the next steps He has laid out.
What a change of heart.
Once , just caring for themselves and then caring for the one they had sold into slavery. God moves in mysterious ways. The Lord continues to work through His children to love and care for one another. It is being part of the family, His family. All this happened so that His will be done and His line is preserved. How do I see His hand at work in times like today preserving His own. Open my eyes Lord that I may see your hand at work even today. Saving grace.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy