The wheel of Joseph's life #6 (testing)

November 14, 2020 (Saturday)

 

     When we left last time, there was a severe famine. Jacob sends them back to Egypt, with Benjamin and a heavy heart. Faced with starvation, Jacob hopes, “And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” [Genesis 43:14 NIV]

     Joseph has them taken to his house where he begins a test. Notice the brother’s reaction, “The brothers were terrified when they saw that they were being taken into Joseph’s house. “It’s because of the money someone put in our sacks last time we were here,” they said. “He plans to pretend that we stole it. Then he will seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.” [Genesis 43:18 NLT]

     Ever notice how a guilty conscious drives people, maybe you? When guilt is hanging over our heads there is little peace and much confusion. They have projected the worst possible scenario because that is what they would do. At least, that is what they have already done to a helpless Joseph.

     The brothers speak to the Joseph’s steward. They claim ignorance and innocence. The steward reassured the brothers, “He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.” [Genesis 43:23 ESV] Notice, the steward credits God for the twist of events.

     On seeing Benjamin, Joseph reacted, “Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there.” [Genesis 43:30 NIV] Joseph is not motivated by hate, revenge, or anger. I think he is testing his brothers. Are they really regretful of what they did to him?

     Joseph seats them in order of birth. They were amazed (see Genesis 43:330. Their fear has blinded them to the possibility. Joseph seems to be nudging them forward to the big reveal. Benjamin’s portion is five times there’s but they do not seem to show any jealousy. One more test faces the brothers.

     Joseph has his special cup put into Benjamin’s sack. The deal is the one who has the cup would return as a slave. We see a major shift the brother’s behavior. Rather than abandoning Benjamin to rightful justice, “At this, they tore their clothes. Then they all loaded their donkeys and returned to the city.” [Genesis 44:13 NIV] When questioned by Joseph, the brothers admit their guilt. But the guilt is beyond this incident.

     At the critical time, “Then Judah stepped forward…” [Genesis 44:18a NLT] Remember Judah was the one who had the idea to sell Joseph into slavery. When we last saw Judah, he stepped up and too responsibility for his failure. We see his journey complete with this offer, “Now, please let your servant stay as your slave instead of the young man so that he can go back with his brothers.” [Genesis 44:33 CEB]

     Later in history we will see a descendant of Judah step forward and offer to exchange himself for the just penalty we deserve. “God caused the one who didn’t know sin to be sin for our sake so that through him we could become the righteousness of God.” [2 Corinthians 5:21 CEB]