Holy Devotion
Bible Devotional
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

 
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