Dear Friends,
Our topic from Genesis 44 is the power of God to transform our lives. It has been 20 years since Joseph had the dreams from God and we can remember what the brothers were like. Simeon and Levi committed deception and genocide of the Shechemites and were unrepentant before their father (Gen 34:31). Rueben committed incest with his father’s wife, Bilhah, to gain ascendancy over his father (Gen 35:22). And Judah was a whoremonger who impregnated the wife of his deceased son, thinking she was a Canaanite prostitute (Genesis 38)!
It is not a pretty picture but when Benjamin, the favourite son, is found with the silver cup in his sack all the brothers tear their robes and commit themselves to return with him. They do not desert him as they had deserted Joseph. Judah even offers to take the place of Benjamin in prison so that his brother may go free, the same Judah who sold his brother Joseph for 20 pieces of silver. Judah’s heart has been softened by God.
In Genesis 49:8-12, Jacob prophesies that one of Judah’s descendants will be a leader to whom the obedience of the nations belong. This prophecy will involve blood. The prophecy is about Jesus, who is from the tribe of Judah and who will offer His life as a substitute for the whole world, that we may be rescued from sin and judgement. Deep truths are unfolding.
God’s Blessing David O’Mara
From the AM Pastor’s Bulletin, 28 November 2021
All Souls Anglican Church Leichhardt 