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January 27th
Our Bible reading for today is in Genesis chapters 43, 44, 45.
“The road toward repentance...”
Two things immediately get my attention at the beginning of today’s bible reading......that cause me to shake my head.
The record says Jacob sent his boys back to Egypt for more food. And it’s strange to me that this father doesn't mention his second-born, Simeon, who has been an Egyptian prisoner for months now as a pledge for the family...and if the family in Canaan doesn't come through, then forget more food and forget Simeon coming home. And remember, Simeon has a wife and six children at home worrying about him.
And all this dad can do is direct an angry question at his other sons: “Why did you tell the man that you have another brother?”
The family climate of favoritism...created years ago by a selfish father...raises it’s ugly head again. No wonder there is no attitude of godly sorrow for sin in the lives of Jacob’s 10 sons before him.
...Everyone looking out for himself...starting with dad. Not good! But maybe God has these boys and this father on a road to repentance.
I kind of think so.
Listen to how Jacob ends his back and forth with Judah about taking Benjamin to Egypt with them.
“May God have mercy on you before the man...may the man send your brothers, Simeon and Benjamin, back with you...”
A good sign.
Another thing caught my attention in the argument between Jacob and his fourth born, Judah. This young man left the homestead...hooked up with Canaanite guys for friends...and married a Canaanite woman. Obviously, Judah decided to take a different path.
Now, years later, he is back home, fighting for his family...not just himself...his dad, his brothers, and their families, and especially imprisoned Simeon and his dad’s last-child, Benjamin...even vowing to take care of Benjamin and to bring him back home safe and sound...and if he couldn't, God and Egypt could take his life.
Interesting...Judah and his brothers, twenty years before, threatened and carried out the betrayal of their father’s first favorite son...causing so much family heartache.
Now, these same brothers are putting this present favorite son, Benjamin, of first and foremost consideration...and themselves last...even unto death.
Yes, I'd say that God has this family on the road to repentance.
And reconciliation? Well, that’s the rest of the story.
Have a good rest of the day.
