Desperate for his father to agree to the Egyptian governor‘s demands,
Reuben swears on his own son‘s lives that he will bring Benjamin back safe. - P32
But Jacob still refuses to allow Benjamin to go back to Egypt. In hismind, he has already lost Joseph, so he cannot endure losing Benjaminas well. - P32
That Reuben stakes the lives of his two sons on Benjamin‘s return give Jacob
no sense of security. Reuben‘s words might seem noble, but they reveal
how little he understands about his father‘s heart. - P32
Whena loved one is grieving, we might be tempted to offer a quick solution,
but often the best thing we can do is to simply listen, bepain, and pray for them.
present in theirHow d - P32
Father, help me see my struggles and the suffering of loved ones in light ofYour Word so that I can respond in life-giving ways
that glorify You. In Jesusname, amen. - P33
After some time passes, the unrelenting famine in the land prompts Ja-cob to ask his sons to go back to Egypt to buy more grain. - P36
This reignitesthe conversation about taking Benjamin along with them. The realityof the famine forces Jacob to set his emotions aside and consider thesituation with greater objectivity. - P36
He is now able to have a calm conver-sation with his sons to gain clarity on what transpired. - P36
When we haveconflicts with other people, especially fellow believers, let us be carefulnot to make assumptions or be stubborn in our own ideas of what is right. - P36
We must be willing to have open and honest conversations thatseek truth and aim to reach a peaceful resolution. - P36
Jacob finally agrees to send Benjamin to Egypt with his brothers. Heis persuaded by Judah, which is somewhat surprising given his questionable character. - P36
At this critical moment, however, Judah personallyvouches for Benjamin‘s safety: he offers to forever bear the blame if hedoes not return Benjamin to Jacob. - P36
We cannot be sure of what causedJudah to step up like this, but it seems that he is starting to acknowledge the sins of his past and wants to turn his life around. . - P36
In the story ofGod‘s people, we see that He works not only in the heroes but also inthe villains, transforming their hearts and using them to bring aboutHis good purposes. - P36
This is the grace and mercy of our
loving Father - P36
Some Bible verses speak clearer to your soul when you read them inyour mother tongue. For me, this is particularly the case with Isaiah45:11b, "Do you question me about my children, or give me ordersabout the work of my hands?"
In this verse, God reminds His peoplethat He is the one in charge of their destiny. - P37
My native language isMalagasy, and the Malagasy Bible translates this verse rather bluntly:
"My children and the work of my hands are my own responsibility."
These words have been a great comfort to me in times of uncertaintyand confusion. - P37
It makes all the difference to know that, as God‘schild, I am His responsibility. I am His to care for, provide for, bringup, and protect. - P37
Judah‘s words to his father regarding his brother Benjamin give us aglimpse of what being under God‘s responsibility looks like: "I myselfwill guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible forhim" (Gen. 43:9). - P37
If flawed, finite Judah was able to make good onsuch a promise, how much more his perfect, eternal descendant, JesusChrist?
- P37
From Shepherd to Father, the ways God reveals Himself to us in theBible show that He is not absent or indifferent but actively involved inHis children‘s lives. - P37
In this life and the next, we are under the responsibility of God, our Father, Jesus
, our Brother, and the Holy Spirit,
our Helper. - P37
So "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"(1 Pet. 5:7). - P37
Lord God, only You can transform the sinner‘s heart and bring them to repentance. - P37
I pray that you would draw my loved ones to You by the power ofYour Spirit and that they would receive new life in You. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P37
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