Genesis 43:11-15 - Place of faith
Scripture:
Genesis 43:11-15
11 Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must
be so, then do this: take some of the best products of
the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a
present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic
gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds.
12 "Take double the money in your hand, and take back
in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth
of your sacks; perhaps it was a mistake.
13 "Take your brother also, and arise, return to the
man;
14 and may God Almighty grant you compassion in the
sight of the man, so that he will release to you your
other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am
bereaved of my children, I am bereaved."
15 So the men took this present, and they took double
the money in their hand, and Benjamin; then they arose
and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph.
NASU
Thoughts:
Jacob has resisted the place of faith, but now has no
choice but to trust in God (verse 14). He has refused
to send Benjamin back with them to get grain, but
finally has no choice as this was the demand of the
Egyptian (Joseph). He fears losing Benjamin, the
younger brother of Joseph, and son of his beloved
Rachel:
Genesis 42:36
36 Their father Jacob said to them, "You have
bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and
Simeon is no more, and you would take Benjamin; all
these things are against me."
NASU
Genesis 43:3-6
3 Judah spoke to him, however, saying, " The man
solemnly warned us, 'You shall not see my face
unless your brother is with you.' 4 "If you send our
brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. 5
"But if you do not send him, we will not go down;
for the man said to us, 'You will not see my face
unless your brother is with you.'" 6 Then Israel
said, "Why did you treat me so badly by telling the
man whether you still had another brother?"
NASU
The depth of his trust is debatable as he is sending
what appears to be a bribe along with them, but he
does finally send Benjamin.
So many times in my life God has done the same with
me. Working circumstances until at last I must simply
trust in Him to come through. How He likes to show
Himself faithful, but how we resist entering the place
of total trust!
Prayer:
Lord, I believe the most peaceful times in my life
were marked by faith in You. I want this now. Help
me to put my full confidence in You and Your desire to
help me.
Amen