- Scripture: Genesis 42:26–38
- The Anchor: “And they said to one another, ‘In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.'” – Genesis 42:21 (ESV)
Joseph had mercy and gave them a chance to prove their honesty and changed hearts. He made one of them stay back (which turned out to be Simeon), and the rest would have to come back with Benjamin. The brothers started talking about what happened with Joseph 20 years before this, and they showed signs of regret. Joseph goes off and weeps on his own before coming back and telling the servant to secretly put back all the money in each of their bags. On the way back, one of the brothers notices that his money has been put back, and the brothers are all afraid, thinking that they will become fugitives. When they get home, they truthfully explain the situation to Jacob, but he refuses to send Benjamin since he already “lost” two of his sons. Even when Reuben offers the lives of his own children, Jacob says no.
The hearts of the brothers truly changed. By the way they speak, I think they really regret selling Joseph off to slavery, and they think everything is God punishing them for doing what they did. However, we see that God is actually showing them grace and mercy through Joseph instead of punishment. He is transforming their hearts. 20 years before this, they had resentment in their hearts, but they now have regret.
I think Reuben’s approach was really bad. Why would Jacob ever give his precious son to someone who was willing to sacrifice his own sons? Writing it out like that kind of reminds me of God and giving His son Jesus to sinners like us. Knowing that Jesus’s death on the cross would end in victory, God did not hesitate to send Jesus. Nevertheless, Jacob didn’t want to send Benjamin because of fear of losing him.
I think one theme that I’ve been reminded of more and more recently is time and how big things take a long time. Again, it took 20 years for the brothers to feel remorse, but it also took 13 years for Joseph to be promoted to prime minister. In my own life, I realized just how long of a marathon faith is. I thought I was far along in my journey, but God humbled me a few days ago, reminding me of just how little I have walked in these 16 years that I’ve lived. There’s a few other big things going on in my life, but they all take many years as well. God has control over time, and He works all things for His glory and for our good.
Reflection
- You observed that while the brothers saw their current distress as punishment, God was actually using it as a vehicle for grace and heart transformation. When you are going through a tough season, are you looking for how God might be using it to cultivate a deeper, more repentant heart, rather than just viewing it as a penalty?
- You reflected on how faith is a “long marathon” and were humbled by how much growing you still have left to do. As you look at the goals and long-term changes you are praying for, how can you remain patient and faithful today, trusting that God’s timeline for your character development is purposeful?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the beauty of Your mercy, which uses even our past mistakes and current struggles to transform our hearts from resentment to genuine remorse. Forgive me for my pride in thinking I was “far along” in my faith, and thank You for the humility to see how much I still need You. Help me to endure the marathon of faith with patience, knowing that Your timing is perfect and that You are working everything for Your glory. Amen.