Chronological Reading Plan for Jan 27

Today's readings are Gen 43-45. Tomorrow's are Gen 46-47.

Judah and Reuben were the ones who tried to defend Joseph against the brothers' plans to do him harm (Gen 37:21, 26). Now they are the two who attempt to save the family and preserve Benjamin. Reuben made his plea in Gen 42:37, Judah in Gen 43:3-5. 

The brothers return, with great trepidation, Benjamin in tow. Their fears are unfounded but they have great difficulty believing even the evidence they see. When they unsuccessfully try to return the money to the steward, he unwittingly utters a truth that should open their eyes, saying, "Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you." 

How easy it is to miss or minimize God's blessing when we are consumed with our circumstances and fear the outcome more than we trust our God. 

Still, Joseph tests his brothers, this time setting up Benjamin as a thief. When they are apprehended and Benjamin is threatened, Judah, although innocent, offers to take the punishment in his place (Gen 44:33). There is the faint echo of another innocent in the Tribe of Judah that will one day stand in the place of sinners and take their punishment on the cross.  

Even when Joseph reveals who he is to his brothers, their reaction is dismay, not rejoicing (Gen 45:3). They fear reprisal from their brother. That's what they've earned. Instead, they receive grace along with Joseph's testimony that God was in the middle of everything that happened and was in sovereign control all the while (Gen 45:5-8). 

The brothers are redeemed, the family is restored and prospers with the promise of new homes in Egypt. But, keep in mind that they are still human beings and still in need of refinement. Egypt looks pretty good to people who live in a land with no food. The riches they are showered with can be very attractive. They carry the promise of God that they will become a "great nation". All of this will come into play as the narrative develops. God is bringing them into Egypt, not as a reward for being good and godly people, but to show them that there is still much work to be done in their hearts and lives. They will enter Egypt with all the earthly things they could ever want or need. God wants them to have heavenly things. Those are not nearly so easy to come by.