July 30, 2013
Genesis 44
Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren. Genesis 44:33
LET IT GLOW
Whew! What a week it was last week. I was busy teaching VBS every night, my husband preached the message for a fallen Marine from our church, and then Friday and Saturday, I attended our denomination's state annual Woman Missionary Union meeting. I was so proud of my hometown people that turned out to line the streets waving flags and honoring the 19 year old man who served our country. Tears came to my eyes as I walked under this huge American flag flying over the street and the Marines who came to carry him to his final resting place. Then, each night we had more children come to learn about Jesus through Paul. As I enjoyed getting together with women throughout my state, we celebrated the 125th anniversary of our mission organization. It was so much fun and encouraging, as well as seeing those ladies again. We heard missionaries speak about their work for the Lord and prayed for those serving around the world. Yes I was exhausted Sunday, but pumped up and ready to worship and serve our Living Lord Jesus. (Sorry for each post being late this week.)
Getting back to Joseph and his hungry brothers...
During their second trip to buy grain in Egypt, the brothers sat at their missing brother's table for dinner, unbeknowing to them. The sacks of corn were filled and Jacob's sons were headed home.
Joseph had instructed the steward to:
- fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they could carry;
- put every man's money(payment) in his sack's mouth;
- put Joseph's silver cup in the mouth of Benjamin's sack with his money. (Joseph is second in command in all of Egypt.)
The guys were so sure that the cup could not be found within their sacks of grain that they said,
"If any of your servants is found to have it, he will die, and the rest of us will become my lord's slaves."
The steward agreed that the guilty one would become a slave in Egypt and the rest of them would be free from blame.
Isn't that what happened to Jesus? He became a slave to the cross, paying for a debt of sin that He didn't owe, did it for us and we get to go free from the blame of sin? He took the blame for the sins that we have committed when He had done none of them Himself. Such a loving Savior!
Are we willing to become a slave to this Master Jesus so others can experience this freedom from guilty sin known as salvation?
LET IT GROW
Meanwhile, Joseph was waiting in his house to see what happened to the brothers and his cup. Would they let Benjamin take the blame for stealing it and they go free, or would they intercede for their little brother, offering themselves in his place? What a plan!
As it turned out, Judah and his brothers returned to Joseph, falling down before him, not pleading their innocence, but offering themselves to Joseph as his slaves. Joseph refused to let all of his brothers becomes his slave, only the guilty one who had the cup would be his slave. He told the rest of the guys back to their father, but Judah pled with Joseph, if Benjamin didn't return with them, their father would die. Judah offered to take the blame for not returning with the youngest to Jacob and he offered himself to Joseph in the same way.
We cannot help but admire Judah's speech, not only for its humility and confession, but also for the love that it shows toward his father and his youngest brother. He was willing to be surety, to bear the blame; even though it would cost him his life. Judah thought that Joseph was actually dead, and that he himself was guilty of murder. What he did not realize was that Joseph was alive-and was his savior! (Wiersbe)
It wasn't their confession of guilt, their sacrifices, nor their gifts that brought salvation to the brothers. It was the gracious forgiveness of Joseph, a forgiveness purchased by his own suffering on their behalf. What a picture of Jesus Christ! (Wiersbe)
It is possible that Joseph's schemes had been intended to probe his brothers' attitude toward each other and toward their father. He also wanted to test the sincerity of their repentance. God had changed the hearts of the brothers. Judah's plea reminds us of the servant born to this tribe, the Servant who offered Himself for the transgressions of His people. (Falwell)
Jesus was the only one who could drink the cup of sacrifice because He was the only perfect person who could meet God's requirements. Jesus gave His blood, body, and life for us sinners. I still can't comprehend such love! What an awesome and amazing Savior!
Thank You Jesus!!!!
LET IT GO
Let go of the past, forgiving and loving those who have hurt me.
Offer myself unto the One who offered Himself for me, who paid the price for my sins.
Share this wonderful salvation story to others who need this grace and mercy as I did and do.
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