February 15, 2020
What does it say?
Joseph’s brothers again left Egypt with food but were soon overtaken and accused of theft. Once more in front of Joseph, Judah pleaded to be substituted for Benjamin, who appeared to be guilty.
What does it mean?
Joseph’s brothers were about to be tested to determine if their hearts had changed in the years since selling their younger brother into slavery. They were stunned when the supposed object of robbery was found in Benjamin’s bag. Joseph was willing to let them go only by keeping Benjamin as his slave. Judah, full of emotion and concern for their father’s life, begged Joseph to accept him as a substitute for his younger brother. This was the confirmation Joseph desperately wanted to hear. He had given them a chance to prove themselves and was not disappointed. Restoration to his family was now possible.
How should I respond?
Chances are—your family squabbles haven’t escalated to the same level as Joseph’s. However, conflict between family members can cause division that lasts weeks, months and even years. What individuals have you had a falling out with? Have you written them off? Years of disagreements can lead to thoughts such as, ‘They’ll never change,’ or ‘They don’t deserve another chance.’ What can you do today to start mending those relationships? Will you choose to pray that God will bless them and soften their hearts? Remember, as long as you each have breath, there’s hope that the relationship can be restored.