January 18, 2006 - Genesis 43-45 and Matthew 12 :24-50
As we continue reading the account of Joseph and his brothers, I am still struck by the fact that his brothers don't understand the reality of the situation. There is such a huge contrast between Joseph and his brothers. As you read, notice all of the differences. Realize that these differences spring from the content of their hearts. We will see this in Matthew, too.
As the brothers prepared to return to Egypt in chapter 43, there are some clues about their spiritual condition. Judah is willing to become surety for Benjamin. (v.9) That means he would do whatever it took to make sure Benjamin returned to Jacob. Maybe, he was learning the lesson of being responsible after his ordeal with his sons and Tamar. Jacob is apparently trusting God and asking Him for mercy, instead of totally trying to do it himself. (v.14) However, he still sent gifts to soften Joseph's heart. I think the returning of the money from the first trip was a sign of a righteous heart, too. All in all, Jacob was doing better, but the brothers were still in the dark.
When they meet Joseph again, he is gracious. He weeps at the sight of Benjamin. He sets them up in birth order for the meal at his house. Even the Egyptian servant tells them that God had returned their money, but the brothers can't see what is happening. When Joseph placed his cup in Benjamin's sack for the return trip, he was trying to teach them the lesson that they should have learned from his mistreatment. (v.4) Why had they repaid evil for good? That is what they had done to Joseph when they sold him into slavery. They had not learned their lesson. In fact, the most telling verse is Genesis 45:3. Once Joseph revealed himself, they were dismayed. They should have been happy. They should have repented. They should have wept on his neck, but it was Joseph who had to weep on them and hug them, before they began to talk. (v.15) There is no indication that they praised God for His plan to save their lives. They were just concerned about making Jacob sad. What a terrible commentary on their hearts. They were so disoriented to the truth that they could not see the clear spiritual realities of their situation. I am afraid I meet many people in this condition, because their hearts are so away from God.
Look at Matthew 12 and compare it with this story. The Jewish leaders said that Jesus cast out demons by the power of the Devil and not God. How absurd. They could not see the reality. They were following Satan, not Jesus. They were speaking against the Spirit and that was the unforgivable sin. Why were they speaking this way? What is in the heart comes out of the mouth. (v.34) Their words showed their hearts. (v.37) They should have been repentant and turned totally to God, but they didn't. (v.41) Their actions were the actions of their father, Satan, not the actions of God. (v.50) Aren't these truths true for Joseph's brothers, too? I believe they are. They did not get what was going on, because they could not see the spiritual realities from hard hearts. The condition of the heart is the key. How is your heart, today? make sure it is soft and focused on the Lord, instead of on the flesh.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 46-48 and Matthew 13:1-30.
As the brothers prepared to return to Egypt in chapter 43, there are some clues about their spiritual condition. Judah is willing to become surety for Benjamin. (v.9) That means he would do whatever it took to make sure Benjamin returned to Jacob. Maybe, he was learning the lesson of being responsible after his ordeal with his sons and Tamar. Jacob is apparently trusting God and asking Him for mercy, instead of totally trying to do it himself. (v.14) However, he still sent gifts to soften Joseph's heart. I think the returning of the money from the first trip was a sign of a righteous heart, too. All in all, Jacob was doing better, but the brothers were still in the dark.
When they meet Joseph again, he is gracious. He weeps at the sight of Benjamin. He sets them up in birth order for the meal at his house. Even the Egyptian servant tells them that God had returned their money, but the brothers can't see what is happening. When Joseph placed his cup in Benjamin's sack for the return trip, he was trying to teach them the lesson that they should have learned from his mistreatment. (v.4) Why had they repaid evil for good? That is what they had done to Joseph when they sold him into slavery. They had not learned their lesson. In fact, the most telling verse is Genesis 45:3. Once Joseph revealed himself, they were dismayed. They should have been happy. They should have repented. They should have wept on his neck, but it was Joseph who had to weep on them and hug them, before they began to talk. (v.15) There is no indication that they praised God for His plan to save their lives. They were just concerned about making Jacob sad. What a terrible commentary on their hearts. They were so disoriented to the truth that they could not see the clear spiritual realities of their situation. I am afraid I meet many people in this condition, because their hearts are so away from God.
Look at Matthew 12 and compare it with this story. The Jewish leaders said that Jesus cast out demons by the power of the Devil and not God. How absurd. They could not see the reality. They were following Satan, not Jesus. They were speaking against the Spirit and that was the unforgivable sin. Why were they speaking this way? What is in the heart comes out of the mouth. (v.34) Their words showed their hearts. (v.37) They should have been repentant and turned totally to God, but they didn't. (v.41) Their actions were the actions of their father, Satan, not the actions of God. (v.50) Aren't these truths true for Joseph's brothers, too? I believe they are. They did not get what was going on, because they could not see the spiritual realities from hard hearts. The condition of the heart is the key. How is your heart, today? make sure it is soft and focused on the Lord, instead of on the flesh.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 46-48 and Matthew 13:1-30.