The Test
Genesis 44:16 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
16 "What can we say to my lord?" Judah replied. "What can we say? How can we prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants' guilt. We are now my lord's slaves—we ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup."
As we continue in the story of Joseph, the brothers are ready to return home with the food they have purchased in Egypt. And as before, Joseph has instructed that the bags be filled to the top with grain and their money placed in the mouth of the sacks. This time, he adds a new wrinkle … his personal cup is placed in Benjamin's sack. What is Joseph looking for here?
1) Will the brothers confess their sin (selling Joseph into slavery) to God?
2) Have they learned anything over all of these years?
When the brothers are confronted by Joseph's servant about the cup, they brashly state that if one of them should have it, that person's life would be forfeit. The cup is found and they return to appear before Joseph. Judah, who had been so casually ready to sell Joseph year ago, answers question number one. This is because of our guilt. But what would they do? Benjamin was the pride of his father, Jacob. If Benjamin did not return, Jacob would die of a broke heart. By the way, you should read this on your own to catch all of the rich interplay between the characters in this story.
What about question 2? Benjamin was in trouble. Would the brothers sacrifice him just as they had Joseph? Judah in verses 18-34 proves that the brothers have learned something as Judah offers himself in Benjamin's place.
Imagine the brothers as they return home to bring their families to live in Egypt. They have to confess to Jacob what they have done in selling Joseph all those years ago. Not a journey that I would look forward to, but yet a necessary one.
Confession and repentance are crucial in making peace with God and with each other, as this story so clearly points out.
Blessings,
Mark
New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
16 "What can we say to my lord?" Judah replied. "What can we say? How can we prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants' guilt. We are now my lord's slaves—we ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup."
As we continue in the story of Joseph, the brothers are ready to return home with the food they have purchased in Egypt. And as before, Joseph has instructed that the bags be filled to the top with grain and their money placed in the mouth of the sacks. This time, he adds a new wrinkle … his personal cup is placed in Benjamin's sack. What is Joseph looking for here?
1) Will the brothers confess their sin (selling Joseph into slavery) to God?
2) Have they learned anything over all of these years?
When the brothers are confronted by Joseph's servant about the cup, they brashly state that if one of them should have it, that person's life would be forfeit. The cup is found and they return to appear before Joseph. Judah, who had been so casually ready to sell Joseph year ago, answers question number one. This is because of our guilt. But what would they do? Benjamin was the pride of his father, Jacob. If Benjamin did not return, Jacob would die of a broke heart. By the way, you should read this on your own to catch all of the rich interplay between the characters in this story.
What about question 2? Benjamin was in trouble. Would the brothers sacrifice him just as they had Joseph? Judah in verses 18-34 proves that the brothers have learned something as Judah offers himself in Benjamin's place.
Imagine the brothers as they return home to bring their families to live in Egypt. They have to confess to Jacob what they have done in selling Joseph all those years ago. Not a journey that I would look forward to, but yet a necessary one.
Confession and repentance are crucial in making peace with God and with each other, as this story so clearly points out.
Blessings,
Mark
posted by BreadBakers at 12:37 PM
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