Genesis 43

As the famine continues, the need for food is great. Dare they go back to Egypt and bring Benjamin?

Judah has matured. He goes from urging that his brother be sold (37:26-27) and sleeping with his daughter-in-law (38:24-26), to personally guaranteeing the safety of Benjamin.

Genesis 43:8-9 (WEB) “Judah said to Israel, his father, ‘Send the boy with me, and we’ll get up and go, so that we may live, and not die, both we, and you, and also our little ones. I’ll be collateral for him. From my hand will you require him. If I don’t bring him to you, and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever…’ “

Joseph has matured. We get a sense that he recognizes God’s hand at work, and it seems that he’s no longer as full of himself as he was. He shows care, concern, and generosity towards his brothers.

Genesis 43:23 (WEB) “He said, ‘Peace be to you. Don’t be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money.’ He brought Simeon out to them.”

We should mature! We’re called to grow as believers and become more like Christ.

Thought for the day: Can you trace growth in your character and maturity since you’ve become a believer?

1 Corinthians 13:11 (WEB) “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things.”