Written by: Shawn Rabon

Genesis 44 v 1-5
Then Joseph gave a command to the servant in charge of his house. He said, “Fill the men’s sacks with as much grain as they can carry, and put each man’s money into his sack with the grain. Put my silver cup in the sack of the youngest brother, along with his money for the grain.” The servant did what Joseph told him.
At dawn the brothers were sent away with their donkeys. They were not far from the city when Joseph said to the servant in charge of his house, “Go after the men. When you catch up with them, say, ‘Why have you paid back evil for good? The cup you have stolen is the one my master uses for drinking and for explaining dreams. You have done a very wicked thing!’”

Notes
The story of Joseph is one of my favourites. However, these specific verses are the hardest and most confusing of this story for me to understand. What we need to remember is that they represent only part of the entire story, and only part of God’s plan - for Joseph, his family and all the Israelites.

Joseph set up a situation which would end in a major revelation for all involved. As a catalyst for this drama he hid his silver cup in the youngest brother, Benjamin's sack of grain. This was a special cup, traditionally used to interpret dreams. We know he had no use for it as he received his revelations from God, but still it was a symbol of his authority in the kingdom. The situation threw the brothers into shock and confusion. What would happen now?

Things often happen in our lives that we don’t understand. “Why is God allowing this to happen to me?” we ask. The truth is that when things occur in our lives that we don’t understand, we need to trust God to see us safely through. He has a plan for us, a hope and a future, not for harm but plans to make us prosper. Have you ever found yourself working out your own plans for the future and then asking God where he would like to fit in? I’ve found that it’s then when God interferes with my plans. It isn’t for us to figure out what we want God to let us do and then ask for his blessing. It’s for us to listen and follow in obedience. By all means, begin to pursue your goals, but allow God to alter your course.

Prayer
Dear God, sometimes this world we live in can be so confusing, but you are in control so help us to trust you. May we understand what we can, and follow you faithfully whatever situations arise. With you “all things are possible”. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

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Genesis 44 v 6-13
So the servant caught up with the brothers and said to them what Joseph had told him to say.
But the brothers said to the servant, “Why do you say these things? We would not do anything like that! We brought back to you from the land of Canaan the money we found in our sacks. So surely we would not steal silver or gold from your master’s house. If you find that silver cup in the sack of one of us, then let him die, and we will be your slaves.”
The servant said, “We will do as you say, but only the man who has taken the cup will become my slave. The rest of you may go free.”
Then every brother quickly lowered his sack to the ground and opened it. The servant searched the sacks, going from the oldest brother to the youngest, and found the cup in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers tore their clothes to show they were afraid. Then they put their sacks back on the donkeys and returned to the city.

Notes
There were times when I was growing up that I questioned and challenged my mother’s authority. I remember being eight years old and thinking I was too old to be ordered around. I believed I knew better than my mother. Being very wise, she decided to let me have the last word in the situation. Consequently, it all ended in disaster.

I suppose every young person goes through stages where they want to assert their own authority. It usually takes the form of rebellion against those who have charge of our well-being. Authority doesn’t simply mean “control of” or “power over”. Its meaning is interwoven with words like responsibility, care, respect, trust and love. Challenging authority isn’t a pleasant experience as it only damages respect.

In Genesis chapter 44, we see Joseph's servant confronting the brothers about stolen money and a stolen cup. Them being in possession of the cup was seen as an act of rebellion and a challenging of Joseph’s authority as Governor of Egypt. The brothers were confused about the situation. They would never think about questioning the governor’s authority. He was a very powerful political figure. The Bible says they “tore their clothes to show that they were afraid”. This wasn’t the act of rebels. Being falsely accused, they were afraid for their lives.

Have you ever felt alone, scared, falsely accused? When the Bible talks about the “fear of the Lord”, the word “authority” comes to my mind. We should respect God, trust him and show our love for him. His authority brings feelings of comfort, warmth and security. Many in today’s world challenge his authority, yet he is patient with them as he is with us all - and I for one am grateful.

Prayer
Father, we trust in your authority, strength and power. We pray for those in positions of authority, that they recognise you in all their actions. Be with those who are persecuted and with those falsely accused. Give us joy in following you always. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

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Genesis 44 v 14-17
When Judah and his brothers went back to Joseph’s house, Joseph was still there, so the brothers bowed face down on the ground before him. Joseph said to them, “What have you done? Didn’t you know that a man like me can learn things by signs and dreams?”
Judah said, “Master, what can we say? And how can we show we are not guilty? God has uncovered our guilt, so all of us will be your slaves, not just Benjamin.”
But Joseph said, “I will not make you all slaves! Only the man who stole the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may go back safely to your father.”

Notes
Have you ever watched a pressure cooker in action? As the food cooks inside, the pressure gradually increases until, if the pressure isn’t released, the cooker will explode. The pressures of this world can have a similar effect on us humans. Without an outlet, things kept inside build up more and more until we eventually explode, both emotionally and in some ways physically too. This is particularly true with guilt. When we hold unresolved guilt inside us, it can and will affect our relationships, our choices and even sometimes our health. In today's reading Judah tells Joseph that their father pleaded they not take Benjamin, Joseph’s younger brother, with them. Jacob thought he had lost Joseph, but to lose Benjamin also would surely kill him. As Judah continued, he began to show his repentant heart, as if admitting his part in Joseph’s disappearance, and a recognition of his guilt, accepting responsibility for his father’s sorrow. What a release that must have been.

Once when I was 16, having driven out to my friend’s house, I was reversing out of the drive and backed into another car. I lied to my mum about what had happened saying someone hit me. But my lie grew bigger when I had to file a report with the police. Eventually the truth came out when the police found the car I had backed into and got a very different story from the owner. I came clean and got into big trouble, but it felt so much better to own up. We’ve all hidden something away inside, but there can be no greater feeling than releasing the pressure that has built up over time by confessing. It isn’t easy, but consider the unpleasant alternative.

Prayer
Dear God, sometimes we feel so overwhelmed by the pressures of this world. We all make mistakes. We ask you to forgive us and help us relieve the pressure built up by guilt and worry. Give us strength to deal with our situations. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

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Genesis 44 v 18-24
Then Judah went to Joseph and said, “Master, please let me speak plainly to you, and please don’t be angry with me. I know that you are as powerful as the king of Egypt himself. When we were here before, you asked us, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ And we answered you, ‘We have an old father. And we have a younger brother, who was born when our father was old. This youngest son’s brother is dead, so he is the only one of his mother’s children left alive, and our father loves him very much.’ Then you said to us, ‘Bring that brother to me. I want to see him.’ And we said to you, ‘That young boy cannot leave his father, because if he leaves him, his father would die.’ But you said to us, ‘If you don’t bring your youngest brother, you will not be allowed to see me again.’ So we went back to our father and told him what you had said.”

Notes
I hated tests at school. I always felt unprepared, hoping I would give an answer that sounded like what was wanted. If I took a poll, how many of you would say you like tests? Tests aren’t so bad I’ve come to realise. They show what you’ve learned and measure how you’re developing. Tests challenge us to see what’s really inside and encourage us to grow. Even my worst test left me knowing more afterwards than when I started it. Tests aren’t always pleasant experiences. We can, however, grow from the experience.

In today’s reading we see Joseph testing his brothers. He knew their attitudes and feelings from past experience. He wanted to test their hearts. Were they the same selfish, bitter brothers he knew, or had they changed? He hadn’t seen them in years. For all he knew, they would take any opportunity to save themselves. He discovered that their hearts had changed. They were ready to sacrifice themselves to save one.

I’ve been tested by God in the past. Once, on the way to an important meeting in town, I passed a homeless man. I did what any good Christian would do. I walked on by him and made excuses for not helping. “If I give him money, he’ll only spend it on drugs or drink.” “I’m late! I’ll help next time.” Not a hundred and fifty yards past him I heard God say, “The least you could do is buy him a meal.” So I returned to where he was sitting less than a minute before. He was nowhere to be found. An angel? Maybe. I don’t know.

Beware of tests from God that challenge what is in your heart! Also remember, as this story illustrates, that God can change even the most difficult hearts and attitudes.

Prayer
Father, sometimes we feel unprepared for what this world throws at us. Help us prepare our hearts and attitudes so we’ll be ready for every opportunity that comes. With every test help us become the kind of people you desire. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

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Genesis 44 v 25-31
“Later, our father said, ‘Go again and buy us a little more food.’ We said to our father, ‘We cannot go without our youngest brother. Without our youngest brother, we will not be allowed to see the governor.’ Then my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife Rachel gave me two sons. When one son left me, I thought, “Surely he has been torn apart by a wild animal,” and I haven’t seen him since. Now you want to take this son away from me also. But something terrible might happen to him, and I would be miserable until the day I die.’ Now what will happen if we go home to our father without our youngest brother? He is so important in our father’s life that when our father sees the young boy is not with us, he will die. And it will be our fault. We will cause the great sorrow that kills our father.”

Notes
It’s human nature to take risks. Perhaps we take risks for the danger element and for the rush of adrenaline, or maybe to impress others. The truth is that risks are part of life, whether or not we seek them out. We take risks from the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed each night. When I was eleven, I climbed onto the roof of our house, grabbed an overhanging tree branch and swung on it like Tarzan. I didn’t know my mother was watching, and I got into such trouble.

Some risks aren’t worth taking, like my little adventure. But what about those that we know are dangerous, but worth the sacrifice to our own well-being, that take courage to see past the danger? Think of the brave firemen in New York who risked their lives on the day now known as 9/11, or men and women who risk their lives every day in serving others.

In today’s reading, Judah took a great risk. We know that Judah was only approaching Joseph, his brother, but Judah didn’t. He was approaching the second most powerful man in Egypt - an action worthy of death, or at least life imprisonment. Judah knew the score but took the risk.

When serving God, we will find ourselves in risky situations. We are called to live risky lives, whether the risk is a life or death one or simply a risk of losing friends or popularity. When God calls us to follow him at all costs, that means accepting the risk factor. That’s why he asks us to count the cost, take up our cross and follow him. Risky living isn’t about disregarding the rules or authority but having the courage to follow the authority of God.

Prayer
Father, every day holds risks. Help us know what risks are worth taking and have courage to take them. Guide us in living risky lives for the gospel. Strengthen us to stand firm for you. You’re worth more than anything this world can offer us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

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Genesis 44 v 32-34
“I gave my father a guarantee that the young boy would be safe. I said to my father, ‘If I don’t bring him back to you, you can blame me all my life.’ So now, please allow me to stay here and be your slave, and let the young boy go back home with his brothers. I cannot go back to my father if the boy is not with me. I couldn’t stand to see my father that sad.”

Notes
In Texas where I grew up, giving your word to someone is very nearly a binding contract. Your character is judged by your word given in agreement to something, and if your word isn’t kept true, your reputation is damaged. Please understand that in a small town in Texas, or anywhere else in the south for that matter, your word is valuable. It is your honour. Think of the number of things each day, or even each week, that you put your name to! Every time you do, you are putting your character, your honour and your reputation on the line. Two other words come to my mind when talking about giving your word - the first is courage, and the second is responsibility.

Judah told Joseph that he had given his word to their father that he would bring Benjamin home safely. The phrase used here by Judah in the Old Testament is from the same root word for oath and covenant. He made a binding contract with his family and staked his life on it. This is why we see Judah willing to sacrifice his life and freedom for Benjamin. Judah was asking to be a substitute. This showed Joseph that Judah’s heart had truly changed. He was willing to take the responsibility.

What a picture of true selflessness, leadership and sacrifice. That’s exactly what Jesus did for us on the cross; he stepped forward to be our substitute. He lived by his words, demonstrated them by his actions and proved their truth. How will you use your words today?

Prayer
Dear God, help us to develop those characteristics which will not only bring us respect but will also honour you. In all that we do and say may we show that you are true. Help us become leaders and role models for you in this world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

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Genesis 45 v 1-3
Joseph could not control himself in front of his servants any longer, so he cried out, “Have everyone leave me.” When only the brothers were left with Joseph, he told them who he was. Joseph cried so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and the people in the king’s palace heard about it. He said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But the brothers could not answer him, because they were very afraid of him.

Notes
Today is a very special day. It’s my birthday! I really enjoy my birthdays, as I’m sure you do as well. I could say my favourite part is having all my friends together, or enjoying all the great food and cake. The truth is, I enjoy opening my presents most of all. They sit on the table throughout the whole party, teasing me. I know I will have to wait till the end. Finally, the time comes and I tear into the nicely wrapped packages. What has taken my family and friends some time to wrap up is on the floor in a matter of seconds. My presents will soon be revealed. Revelation can be a great excitement, or a shocking surprise, depending on what you receive.

In our final reading, the excitement grew so much for Joseph that he became unable to control himself. Ordering his servants to leave, Joseph revealed all: “I’m your brother, Joseph!” At first they were in shock and surprised to say the least, but Joseph explained all that had happened and the reasons for it. It was God’s plan for him to save the nations. When Jesus came back to life after three days, revealing himself to his followers, I imagine their reaction was similar to that of the brothers. God’s plan for mankind's salvation was revealed for all to see; accept and trust.

God wants us to live under his authority, to gain understanding, to experience risky living, to release the pressures of our past, to live up to our word whilst living according to his, to be faithful with the responsibility he gives us, and to reveal his way, his truth and his life. Be strong!

Prayer
Father, reveal to us your plan for our lives, show your truth, and demonstrate your power through us. The world is full of surprises that catch us unaware. Help us to keep our eyes on you and trust you for our future. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen


word-on-the-web uses the Scripture text taken from the Youth Bible, New Century Version (Anglicised Edition) copyright 1993 by Word Publishing Milton Keynes

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