Genesis 43

Chapter 43 begins in Jacob’s house where he is reluctant to send his sons back to Egypt. He especially doesn’t want to send Benjamin. However, when they run out of grain there is no choice. Jacob finally relents and allows them to go saying, “If I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” Stepping out on faith always involves a risk. There will be times in all of our lives that to walk in faith will be to chance bereavement. The key is to always step out on faith at God’s direction. God had already figured this problem out. The brothers could not have known that their act of treachery toward Joseph would be turned around by God for their salvation. I don’t believe this excuses what they did, but it does point out that God can use the seemingly bad things in our lives for good.

Joseph’s role in this chapter is one of caution. He gives a feast for his brothers, but doesn’t reveal himself to them. It is obvious that Joseph is testing his brothers to see if they have changed or not. Joseph is going through the process of forgiving his brothers and also seeing if they are trustworthy or not. In a later chapter we will find that Joseph will conclude God can use evil things for good to accomplish His purpose.

“Father, help us to walk by faith even when it is hard. Help us to forgive even when we have been grossly wronged. Help us to understand that You are at work even when we can’t see why. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”