God loves families and in the midst of rescuing His people from famine, He set about restoring their family. Don’t ever stop petitioning THE FATHER for restoration of your family.
43 Now the famine was still severe in the land. 2 So when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.” Genesis 43
Circumstances were driving the brothers back to Egypt but Jacob was still opposed to allowing Benjamin to go with them. Reuben, the eldest, had already told his father that he would take responsibility for Benjamin, the youngest, but Jacob hadn’t accepted his offer. Genesis 42:37
3 But Judah said to him, “The man warned us solemnly, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ 4 If you will send our brother along with us, we will go down and buy food for you. 5 But if you will not send him, we will not go down, because the man said to us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’” Genesis 43
Judah, (Means Praise), was the fourth born to Jacob, but he was destined to become the ruler in Israel. Here is the first time we see him stepping forward and even disputing with his father. Jacob was still unhappy but they couldn’t delay any longer.
8 Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy along with me and we will go at once, so that we and you and our children MAY LIVE AND NOT DIE.”
SOMETIMES GOD NEEDS US TO MOVE, NO MATTER HOW DIFFICULT THAT MAY BE. So the brothers prepared for their second journey down to Egypt. They took gifts for Joseph, twice the money to pay for two portions of grain and their youngest brother, Benjamin. They went as best prepared as they could but God had arranged everything on a higher level for their reconciliation. We often have a role to play in the plan for our lives, but God will always fulfil His part.
15 So the men took the gifts and double the amount of silver, and Benjamin also. They hurried down to Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph. 16 WHEN JOSEPH SAW BENJAMIN WITH THEM (What a moment that must have been after twenty years), he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house, slaughter an animal and prepare a meal; they are to eat with me at noon.”
The brothers feared the worst when they were taken to Joseph’s house. Many times things are inexplicable to us, but God was in control of everything and they awaited Joseph’s arrival. Joseph once again enquired about his father;
28 They replied, “Your servant our father is still alive and well.” And they bowed down, prostrating themselves before him (Prophecy fulfilled again).
The brothers received another shock when they sat to eat;
33 The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment. 34 When portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as anyone else’s. So they feasted and drank freely with him.
The brothers were blessed with good food and drink in Joseph’s company. We should always look for the fruit/outcome in our relationships. Has the outcome been good or poor? This may be a good guide for us in choosing the way ahead.
God bless and keep you today.