Exodus, the Book of Redemption.

Exodus, the Book of Redemption. Exodus 1:1-7.

Where the book of Genesis was about the beginnings for the relationship between man and God, Exodus is about God’s redemption of man. In Genesis we saw the creation of man, the fall of man, and the final story contains a man in a coffin. Through Genesis men started to spread out and still God wanted a people for Himself, so He concentrated them through circumstance in Egypt and provided for them so they would grow in number; but much of their relationship with God was lost.

Over four hundred years the Israelites stories of God’s intervention into their father’s lives were not enough to teach them that they too needed a relationship with God. They had knowledge that there was a God and knew they should respect God, but how to live a life that honored and know God was mostly lost.

Though God had provided everything His people needed, they would not personally know the power of God and the credit for their existence would be directed toward Joseph the great Egyptian leader who cared for them.

Several generations of Israelites passed away. Joseph too, would die after making a promise to Israel that God would visit them and he requested they would take his body and bury it in the family plot. Yet, generations of people came and went and though the message passed on, it was also being lost and treated as folklore.

The four hundred years was the same amount of time that is spaced between end of the Old Testament and the New Testament. During this time the same spiritual decline occurred in Israel.

When God is silent, emphasis on godliness diminishes; therefore, as modern Christians, living in a world that does not honor God, we need to continue studying His word; pursuing a relationship with God. We also should teach this to our children; calling on the name of the Lord for His divine intervention into our lives.

When Jesus came to Israel, after four hundred years of silence, His encounters with the religious Jews showed they replaced a relationship with God for rules surrounding the law given to Moses. Their concept of God’s hand to intervene into their daily lives was lost and appeasing a vengeful God was all they knew.

Inside their religious circles, the general population did what they felt would keep them in good standing with the religious leaders. The people were told to love God, but they felt burdened by the society of religious pressure and religious rules spilled over into their commerce.

The people participated in ceremonies and yet the love for God and the loving father side of God was lost. God as a loving father became the main message of Jesus and to get their attention God allowed the miraculous to be displayed before them as Jesus taught the value of relationship.

The world we live in is doing much the same. They are pushing God out of the schools and children are told that there is a God, but are also told everyone calls God by a different name. Religious circles form and religious acts replace having a personal relationship with God.

“Who is God?” and what does He want from us is diminishing from thought. People continue accepting traditions and rules as their forms for godliness; but they lose the concept of keeping a relationship with God.

As we pick up in chapter one of Exodus, we are reintroduced to the players, the families of the children of Jacob. While in Egypt they had grew into a multitude of people.

Now these are the names of the children of Israel who came to Egypt; each man and his household came with Jacob: Reuben, Simemon, Levi, and Judah; Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. All those who were descendants of Jacob were seventy persons (for Joseph was in Egypt already). And Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation. But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them. Exodus 1:1-7(NKJV)

In this book, written by Moses, we will see that God’s plan continues. Here God is creating a people who will honor Him. They would be an example to the entire world that God is building a kingdom and wants to honor people. However, the criteria remains that they would honor Him as God.

Into the Future.

Into the Future. Genesis 50:22-26.

The conclusion to the book of Genesis

Quickly the writer, believed to be Moses, skips from the death of Jacob to the death of Joseph. Many years passed in between their deaths; yet, Moses found it best to surmise the life, the attitude, and the godliness of Joseph in a few quick closing comments.

So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s household. And Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph’s knees. And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. Genesis 50:22-26(NKJV)

Joseph looked out for his father’s family and though he had to run the affairs of the Pharaoh, Joseph made sure they were fed, had commerce, and were able to live their life in peace. This was a very noble gesture considering the awful treatment Joseph received from his family during childhood. However, Joseph forgave them and allowed their fate to be up to God.

God would have us live so that we do not demand justice for the wrongs people do to us. “Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord; for only He can see the outcome of a person’s existence. If we practice forgiveness, we grant God the opportunity to soften a person’s heart before they die in their sins. However, when endorsing a practice to demand an eye for eye and is carried to a lethal end, that opportunity is forever lost.

Joseph had respect for God and respect for his father. Joseph was a man that God could confide in and a man God could trust to know the future. The faithfulness of Joseph is a faithfulness that God desires from all people and yet, too many people live a life of compromise. So we must ask ourselves, “How can we ask God to bless us if we will not respect the blessings He gives?”

God was able to show Joseph’s father, Jacob, what the future held for his children. Some were scolded and others were blessed; each receiving just attention based upon their respect for life, respect for God, and respect for others.

Now, Joseph was about to pass away and he too had a glimpse of the future. Yet, the dilemma existed that you can tell people what God desires and they will be unfaithful to that desire. Therefore, Joseph placed himself into the equation giving his descendants not only a promise, but a duty to perform.

Joseph challenged his descendants saying, “God will surely visit you.” This communicated to them that God would not only come to them, but watch them and watch over them. Little did they know that these words of promise were going to be the words they cling to as a new, tougher, Pharaoh would rise to power and force the Israelites into slavery.

In addition, they had the remains of Joseph to care for. Joseph wanted his body to lie in the family plot as did his father and grandfather’s. This responsibility was one that would take great effort, time, and pass on to many generations; as would the legendary stories of the lives of these patriarchs.

It was God’s plan revealed to Joseph and Joseph knew that his challenge would have a desired effect on his family. That effect was to remember God, endure hardship, and live a godly life in a world that believes in many Gods.

Revisiting our journey through the book of Genesis, this one theme is constant; God has a plan. He is the only God and He made the earth as a time piece that would keep time until time is accomplished; day and night to be the governing time periods until time comes to an end.

God made the heavens which hold the story of his purpose and the demise of its existence. In His hand the worlds spin and tumble, made from His spoken words to “Let there be.”

Birds, animals, and a complete ecological system, He created so that He might set man in the midst. Everything to sustain the lives of people on the planet was created to the most microscopic degree of accuracy. It is a home, but a temporary home; ever reminding us that we will pass to eternity.

God knew the evil that would befall people. Yet in His plan, He desired to deal with evil and made a place for the devil and demons. Though His creation would be scarred and plummet into the darkness of evil, God made a way of escape, sending His own son to die for their sins.

It is a great plan that defies our minds, but revealed to us in His word, the Bible. God wrote the end from the beginning and set it in motion so that He might achieve a creation that will be faithful, knowing forgiveness, and the price of holiness.

The challenge to us is to carry the death of His’ son with us in our hearts for God will visit us one day. Just as Joseph challenged his descendants, so does God challenge us to not to forget that God is good and we too must be good.

Yet God challenges us to be more than good. He wants us to be Holy, as He is Holy. He wants us to put away the lusts of our flesh to do wrong and become like His own son and serve others; living our lives to help His plan to build His’ kingdom.

We are challenged by the creation and involved in an inescapable way. Some act as if they ignore the plan; they live life without being burdened with the effort it takes to live such a way. They choose pleasure over pain and riches over lowliness.

Our world has forever had those who saw the future through the eyes of God and those who only saw the world through the ignorant desires of their own hearts. People are all the same, until they allow God to fulfill His plan in their life.

You can think of the world as one big organism or you can consider yourself as a unique individual that God loves. Some will live life to the fullest and others will just sit and spin, suffering from the actions of others. It is all how we apply this message to ourselves.

Are you part of the great plan of God? Have you taken off the blinders of sin and sought deliverance from the dark cloud that envelopes the earth and causes humankind to not see clearly? If not, deliverance is one prayer away.

When a person asks God to open their eyes, He reciprocates. This opportunity to see clearly must be sought after. God will come to you, but you also must go to God. He looks for men and woman who will accept His challenge, believe in Him and carry the message to future generations.

All the people we have studied in Genesis had limitations; many started with nothing. We followed the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as they walked forward believing in God during hard times. They faced the resistance of evil and dealt with family members who succumbed to sin.

At times and we saw God be quiet and then times in their life where God spoke to them. Each person had to take those times and imbed them into their heart. They had to dearly hold them and that is how they sustained their faith.

Every day was not a miracle and these patriarchs did not live their life looking for miracles. They worked hard, struggled, and through it all they held onto their faith. They believed God had a plan for their lives and a plan for their children.

This is the mark for people who believe in God and this study in the book of Genesis has faith building content. However, the question is. “Will you let it build your faith?”

This is the end of The Christian Worker’s Spiritual Food study in the Book of Genesis.

May God richly bless you.

Insecurities Tear a Person Apart.

Insecurities Tear a Person Apart. Genesis 50:10-21

Then they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and they mourned there with a great and very solemn lamentation. He observed seven days of mourning for his father. And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a deep mourning of the Egyptians.” Therefore its name was called Abel Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan. So his sons did for him just as he had commanded them. For his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as property for a burial place. And after he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers and all who went up with him to bury his father. Genesis 50:10-14(NKJV)

The precession weaved its way through the countryside to the place where Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob would be laid. It would become a most famous burial place for Kings of Israel’s. It sat in a fertile valley between large hills; later to be called the City of David. This is Jerusalem.

Israelites and Egyptians were gathered into the building of the local threshing floor. They watched each other as they gave their respect to the father of such a great Egyptian leader. Through this event the Egyptians would learn that Israelites were not barbaric and their intelligence was not limited.

The Israelites held great ability, fortitude, and honor; therefore, the place would also be named Abel Mizraim which meant “The Egyptian Valley.” This event tore down the mystique that separated Israelites from Egyptians and paved the way for a greater integration into their societies.

The Egyptians returned to Egypt with a new found respect for the Israelites and yet the brothers of Jacob returned without their father, who brought a sense of safety to them.

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ‘Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Genesis 50:15-17(NKJV)

Security blankets are a baby’s best friend and babies grow into adults who pacify their insecurities with people, possessions, knowledge, intoxicants, or money. When taken away, a persons’ insecurity returns.

The son’s of Jacob took refuge in Egypt with their father. He was the one blessed by God, he was the one Joseph loved, and now he was gone.

Their minds filled with thoughts of their past. They did a terrible thing to Joseph and now they feared retribution. The men did not have their own relationship with God and now they felt they would not be protected.

When finding God loves you, it can be a most liberating time in a person’s life. The Bible teaches many truths which are written to fortify our comfort, bring joy to our life; and in those promises we can find security. However, when a person neglects having their own relationship with God, they become distant from those truths and insecurities creep back to torture, scare, and ruin a person’s peace.

Joseph’s brothers let their father do all the work with knowing God, but now he was gone and they did not know what to do. So they started to stab into the darkness that was blinding them from God’s provision for them.

I see this in churches too. People go to church to rely on the pastor and others to have a relationship with God and neglect to peruse God themselves. Once you remove their safety blankets they do not know what to do.

The unique thing about God is that He loves people too much to let this happen so He will pull the carpet out from under a person’s feet and patiently wait for them to reach for a hand up, turning their life to Him.

Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:18-21(NKJV)

This was not hard for Joseph to see; his brothers had no relationship with God and looked to Joseph to be the master of their fate. Yet Joseph had his own relationship with God and it was one that honored God. Joseph was not a judge of people; he was a helper of people. Joseph was called by God to protect Egypt and protect his own people.

Can you imagine Joseph receiving the word from his brothers questioning his motives? Hearing their communication, Joseph decided to go to them and Joseph spoke to them kindly and comforted them. This is much like what God does today; he is bringing His message to them.

God gets such a bad rap in society. The very one who loves them and provides for them is questioned for having ill intended motives. People fear going to hell and accuse God for wanting to send them there. As if God looks down from the sky, rubbing His hands, waiting for an opportunity for someone to die, so He may dangle them over a firry pit to drop them in, people fear God.

They know that they have done something wrong in their life and the good they have done just does not feel like it mends the distance they have from God. This was what Joseph’s brothers felt.

But God does not send people to hell. God sent His own son to earth with a message of love and because of sinful hearts, people killed Him. But that still did not stop the love of God. God raised His son from the dead and through Him sent a message to the whole world that if you believe that God will forgive you through the blood that His son shed, He will forgive you your sin and cleanse you. God wants to be your security.

He does not dislike you, He loves you. No matter the sin you have committed God is committed His love for you. He does not wait to drop you into hell; he waits with open arms to receive you unto Himself.

The truth is, Hell was made for the Devil and his angels and the only way a person will go there is to choose to go there. They will have to walk past a loving God and His opportunity of forgiveness. Yet that is the road so many took and continue to take. It is a shame.

God does not put people in Hell, people go there themselves. Who is going to pay the penalty for your sin? If the answer is yourself, then you have chosen to go to Hell.

God’s People.

God’s People. Genesis 49:29 – 50:9.

The father of twelve boys was dying before their eyes. He spoke to each words of prophesy and truth. Some of his boys had been bad brothers, bad fathers, and bad to others; they needed to change. Jacob held nothing back as he addressed his boys for the last time.

Some of Jacob’s sons received words of prophetic blessings as God would continue to use them in great ways. Yet the one word that was clearly distributed among his boys was God is building a nation of people that will be called Israel.

Then he charged them and said to them: “I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite as a possession for a burial place. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. The field and the cave that is there were purchased from the sons of Heth.” And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. Genesis 49:29-33(NJKV)

Not only was God building the nation called Israel, God had given them a land. It belonged to Israelites, though they could not live there because of the famine. Even though they were temporarily displaced in Egypt, Jacob wanted his body taken back to that land to be buried with his ancestors.

Even in his death, Jacob was completing his life’s mission from God. He directed his children and then by asking to be buried with his family, it communicated a sense of identity to his sons.

Jacob’s actions was telling them they are Israelites; not Egyptians. They are a chosen people of God, called to a mission of building a nation on a promised land. Then as if to accent his last words, as he lifted his own feet into the bed, he passed instantly before them.

The story is more than a man dying before his sons. This is a reminder to us all of how serious we are to take God’s calling upon our life. We are to have influence that spreads the good news that God forgives sin and is continuing to build a kingdom of people.

Speaking to his’ sons, Jacob did not gloss over their sin, but clearly communicated that no matter the sin they committed, they were considered by God to be Israelites.

Now in our time, with the greater call of grace upon the whole world, let us be as Jacob and preach the message unto our dying day. May we leave people behind that have experienced the life changing influence that God had upon ourselves and may we build their hope in a promised land called Heaven.

Then Joseph fell on his father’s face and wept over him, and kissed him. And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel. Genesis 50:1-2(NKJV)

Of all Jacob’s offspring, Joseph showed the most emotion at the loss of his father. The natural progression of life claims everyone and to that we must remain strong; however, the separation of death is never pleasant.

Egyptians believed in a life after death. Their myths caused them to honor their dead with vast ceremonies, embalming of the body, and precessions of reverence. So Joseph being a leader in Egypt honored his father the Egyptian way.

Forty days were required for him, for such are the days required for those who are embalmed; and the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. Now when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the hearing of Pharaoh, saying, ‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am dying; in my grave which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come back.’” And Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear.” Genesis 50:3-6(NKJV)

It is most interesting to see the work of God through this death. The son’s of Jacob came closer to the Egyptian people and the Egyptian people came closer to them. They had much interaction and for forty days they shared a common goal. Even the Pharaoh had compassion on the project and his heart went out to Joseph and his family.

So Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, as well as all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds they left in the land of Goshen. And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen, and it was a very great gathering. Genesis 50:7-9(NKJV)

These Israelites people were just living their lives and conforming to the hardships that life brought them. Yet the work of God was taking place as the Israelites were being accepted by the Egyptians and Egypt would become their home for many years to come.

Left to themselves the sons of Jacob spread out through the land of Canaan and took destructive paths, spreading their blood with the tribes that lived around them. Left alone the line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, could have vanished; therefore, God used a famine to drive them into Egypt.

God even set up a way for them to be accepted into Egypt and to be marked by the Egyptians to be a separate race of people. Egyptians were not to intermarry with them; however, God made a way for the Egyptians to socialize with them. Through the death of Jacob, the two nations became able to work together to accomplish goals.

It was the plan of God to place them in Egypt and make a way that they would stay to themselves; preserving and building a bloodline that God would call his people. Little did they know they would be there for over four hundred years.

What do you say to your children.

What do you say to your children. Genesis 49:1-26.

And Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: “Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob, And listen to Israel your father. Genesis 49:1-2(NKJV)

Jacob was the father of twelve boys and through these sons God promised to build a people that would profoundly impact the world. God wanted to make a people for Himself and that desire, with promise, was first announce to Abraham and passed to his son Isaac.

Having been passed such a large, incredible, challenge could not have been taken serious by Isaac; however, God spoke His desire personally to Him. This passing on of the will of God occurred again with Isaac’s son, Jacob and now it was being passed to the twelve sons of Jacob.

God was building a people for Himself and the nation of Israel exists today as proof that what God desires to happen, will happen. With the hand of God on their lives these men produced a mighty nation that would remain separate from the rest of the world.

In Egypt they would be separate from the Egyptians and that separateness would have to continue to be guarded throughout their existence. This people, this history, this desire of God, were to be taken serious; however, their sin would hold them back or pigeon hole their participation. This was what Jacob would tell his boys.

If you are serious with a task, you will be treated serious; however your actions affect who you are and these men had allowed themselves to commit sins that shaped their future.

Jacob also had prophetic knowledge about these boys and though they were different; he wanted them to remain as one people. He wanted them to continue with the God of their fathers, but also he wanted them to be unique.

“Reuben, you are my firstborn, My might and the beginning of my strength, The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. Unstable as water, you shall not excel, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it- He went up to my couch. Genesis 49:3-4(NKJV)

Being the first born, the family birthright should have fallen on his head. This was to be his moment before his brothers; however, his sin had left a lasting shadow on the family’s reputation.

Jacob viewed Ruben as unstable as water and those unstable are so because they do not take the actions to correct their faults. Therefore, Ruben would lose his opportunity for the blessing of the firstborn.

“Simeon and Levi are brothers; Instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. Let not my soul enter their council; Let not my honor be united to their assembly; For in their anger they slew a man, And in their self-will they hamstrung an ox. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob And scatter them in Israel. Genesis 49:5-7(NKJV)

These were the two who avenged the defilement of the sister. They became so revengeful they killed the Shechemite men, making it a horrible atrocity. For this Jacob saw that they needed to be divided so they may never collaborate on wickedness again.

Jacob curses their anger together; but he does not curse them as individuals. As individuals, Jacob wanted them to go on to improve the way they lived life and led their off spring. This was their parting call to righteousness from their father.

“Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;  Your father’s children shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion;  And as a lion, who shall rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes;  And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. Binding his donkey to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, He washed his garments in wine, And his clothes in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine,  And his teeth whiter than milk. Genesis 49:8-12(NKJV)

Judah, whose name means “praise,” was Jacobs’s most intriguing son. Jacob knew that this young man was going to produce an off spring that would claim their territory, without vexing those around them. They would be of strong royalty and of dignity. Which shows the dramatic insight Jacob was given; for a descendant of Judah would be Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

“Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the sea; He shall become a haven for ships, And his border shall adjoin Sidon. Genesis 49:13(NKJV)

Jacob saw the desire within Zebulun and when praying for his son, a prophesy of the Lord showed him the future. To Zebulun it must have been a relief and a lifting of a burden as he listen to his father speak of such a great future. Zebulun would be a shelter in the storm, a place of refuge, and his commerce would be great.

“Issachar is a strong donkey, Lying down between two burdens; He saw that rest was good, And that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, And became a band of slaves. Genesis 49:14-15(NKJV)

Jacob knew his sons well and this one was destined to be in debt to others. His birth came after his mother purchased mandrakes in order to enhance fertility. This was a significant event and even his mother helped to predestine the child by giving a name that meant “man of hire.”

Often, how we raise a child is how they will continue in life and for Jacob, the facts surrounding their upbringing coupled with the prophesy of God, gave him the words of destiny. Issachar would continue to raise his family to be workers in the land.

“Dan shall judge his people As one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, A viper by the path, That bites the horse’s heels So that its rider shall fall backward. I have waited for your salvation, O LORD! Genesis 49:16-18(NKJV)

I find that one of the heaviest prophesies of this passage is about Dan. It seems to have no great impact on the nation of Israel. Jacob knew that Dan would become a leader of his own family; however, trouble would beset Dan and God would deliver him with salvation from his troublers.

“Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, But he shall triumph at last.”Bread from Asher shall be rich, And he shall yield royal dainties. Genesis 49:19-20(NKJV)

Each of our children will have different courses in life and the contrast of Gad and Asher were completely different; yet mentioned together, it may be that Jacob knew that the actions of one would provide safety for the other.

Jacob reveals to Gad that he should prepare his people to fight; and the promise in this prophesy was Gad would win the battle in the end.

For Asher, his future would pivot on his culinary skills. He would provide pastries and bread for royalty. His family would join him and is efforts would benefit others. Perhaps even Gad who would fight and be victorious was fed by Asher.

“Naphtali is a deer let loose; He uses beautiful words. Genesis 49:21(NKJV)

Jacobs’s son, Naphtali, was beautiful in his sight. He stood tall, with his head up. He could negotiate and speak words that could defuse situations. This talent would go forward to help Israel to be a proud people. With these words of encouragement to continue, Naphtali would raise children to be like minded.

“Joseph is a fruitful bough, A fruitful bough by a well; His branches run over the wall. The archers have bitterly grieved him, Shot at him and hated him. But his bow remained in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob  (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), By the God of your father who will help you, And by the Almighty who will bless you. With blessings of heaven above, Blessings of the deep that lies beneath, Blessings of the breasts and of the womb. The blessings of your father Have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers. Genesis 49:22-26(NKJV)

Lastly Jacob addresses his two most beloved sons. They were Jacob’s pride and joy. In these sons Jacob had much hope and the revelation from God was intense concerning them.

Joseph was the only son of the twelve who God personally directed. Much like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Joseph would continue in God’s grace because Joseph honored God. If God be for us, who can be against us?

Joseph had branched out without the help of his family. He made his way from the bottom to the top. He took adversity and turned it to prosperity. In Joseph the promise that the whole world would be blessed had made a way for the development of the nation of Israel and the way for the coming Messiah. Joseph was already blessed by God and Jacob was proud to be a part of his life.

“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; In the morning he shall devour the prey, And at night he shall divide the spoil.” All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing. Genesis 49:27-28(NKJV)

Though Jacob loved Benjamin too, Jacob could not hold back from speaking the prophesy given to him. Benjamin, the youngest of all the boys and the direct brother of Joseph was going to have to fend for himself.

Benjamin would not be happy with following after Joseph and he would have to forge a life of his own. He would have to be strong and crafty; his survival would depend on his ability to out think, out run, and to be stronger than those around him. Benjamin would have to take advantage of situations and increase from that.

The words of their father were direct and held no flowery statements to sooth the hearer. He spoke them with attitude knowing the grief and the joy they had brought to him. Most of all they were spoken as God revealed prophesies of their future.

On his death bed Jacob peered out of his body like a shell for his life was slipping away quickly. Jacob would go to his grave in faith that God will continue his work and in hopes that these boys might listen to the words spoken to the whole. He hopped they would seek for them to be united in desire and for some, calm their ways to be like the admirable.

As parents, it would be a shame to wait until your dying days to speak words of direction to your children. The scriptures have examples of people who never spoke to their children. They never asked them “What are you doing?” and they never reproved them.

Children began to develop and though we cannot change who they are, we can guild them into who they will be. We can be there before they make decisions to act. We can warn them about the pitfalls of life and we can influence them to know that God is real and wants to have a relationship with them.

As parents we hold a crucial role in our families and here we have been given insight to the family of Jacob; a family that would grow to become the nation of Israel.

Pass it on.

Pass it on. Genesis 48:12-22.

Joseph was old and nearing the deaths door; he like we are travelers and are here on earth for a short time. Jacob correctly viewed his travel on earth as a mission from God. Yet the work God was doing on earth was not ending and before leaving it was Jacob’s job to ensure the work of God passed on to his family.

Are you one who looks at your life as a job to fulfill? In a world of people that seek to experience earth’s pleasures, it is easy to forget that there is a greater purpose for our existence and that God is building a kingdom of people. Our lives should be lived to fulfill that purpose.

Jacob had been reacquainted with a son, Joseph, who believed was dead. They were reunited in Egypt as this son had become one of the most powerful men in the court of the Pharaoh. He also had children to which Jacob had to consider how these boys fit into his own family.

You see, Jacob was a man of God. He was given a commission by his father, who was given a commission by his father, who was commission by God to build a nation of people that would belong to God.

Like his father, and his grandfather before him, God revealed Himself to Jacob and affirmed the validity of his calling. Jacob was a man who believed in the providence of God; praying, seeking God for guidance.

Now it was time to pass God’s will onto these two sons of Joseph, as did his own father to him. Therefore, he prepared himself and now that time had come.

So Joseph brought them from beside his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth. And Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him. Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. And he blessed Joseph, and said: “God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has fed me all my life long to this day, The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” Genesis 48:12-16(NKJV)

In this prayer, there was a binding agreement. God not only makes agreements with us, we make agreements with Him. When a person has sought the will of God in his life and submitted their life unto the will of God, then there is unity of desires. The desires of God become the desires of the person and the desires of the person become the desires of God. Therefore, Jacob knew what he was saying and the blessings were not just good words to say; they were words of power that would change these boys’ lives.

Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. And Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.” Genesis 48:17-19(NKJV)

Choosing the younger was something that occurred in Jacobs own life. The providence of God shows no favoritism towards age; the providence of God falls on men who will be able to continue God’s work.

As you look around our world you will find that Christians reach levels of great status. Some become pastors who speak to presidents and world dignitaries. Their conversations shape the world we live in. Then you will also find Christians that sweep and do maintenance in churches. Every job in between needs a person to complete it and God values every job. God has picked our status in life and blessed us with it.

Some resent their status in life. There are many Christians that would love to be at the top. They would love to be a pastor or a teacher and they envy those who do. This is also a work of God in our life. God takes people of low decree and raises them up to do great works; therefore, that desire to do more is of God. However, we must be patient and realize that our work will one day come to an end and like Joseph we must pass it on to our families.

In many families the children go on to do a greater work for the Lord, and the beginning work of their parents was God’s intention. Their parents work was what God wanted and now the children have the commission to continue the work and one day pass it on.

The one thing Jacob had learned is that we cannot live long enough to see the outcome of the work; we must hand off the torch to those who will run more of the race. However, the plan of God will one day be complete.

So he blessed them that day, saying, “By you Israel will bless, saying, ‘May God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!’” And thus he set Ephraim before Manasseh. Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow.” Genesis 48:20-22(NKJV)

Just as God was forming the nation of Israel, through the life works of these men, God is building a kingdom and every person who gives their life to Christ is involved.

Your work is significant; though it may not seem of great importance; raising your family to know God and how God works in our life is key. We must influence others for Christ and even if we only help the great evangelist preach, our work is making that come about. This is the legacy we must pass of to our families.

We must let them know how God values even the lowliest of people who have the intention of building the kingdom. We must teach them to influence future generations and carry on the work of preaching the gospel.

We can teach them to recognize the fool’s road of riches and reward that leads to no eternal significance; and teach them to know that God loves them.

They will go though trying times and our words can go on to be with them there in those times. We can be an encouragement even though we, ourselves, pass. Therefore, we must take up the challenge and pass it on before we die.

Completing your Work.

Completing your Work. Genesis 48:1-11.

Now it came to pass after these things that Joseph was told, “Indeed your father is sick”; and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. And Jacob was told, “Look, your son Joseph is coming to you”; and Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed. Genesis 48:1-2(NKJV)

There was “one” who was close to Jacob and Joseph; the name of the person is omitted, but they watched over them to keep the family heading down a proper course. It was important that this event happened and the person was moved by God to ensure that this event did happen. As believers, we are moved by God to do His work; and part of that work is to help others compete their work for God.

Jacob had a commission from God to begin a people that would become a wonderful work of God. Before Jacob died, that commission needed to be passed along; therefore, this, “one,” person ensured that Jacob and Joseph got together.

Every believer must pray about their involvement in the lives of others to see how God would have them help. It may be a pastor, a missionary, an evangelist, or a teacher; they all need help completing their mission for God. This is a large role and comes with little glory; even their names are not always mentioned; but their rewards will be great.

Then Jacob said to Joseph: “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’ And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. Your offspring whom you beget after them shall be yours; they will be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance. Genesis 48:3-6(NKJV)

It would be wonderful for every father to have his children visit their deathbed for a last word. Jacob had many things on his mind and whom to pass on the family commission to be one of them.

When Joseph arrived, it became clear that he was the right son to complete the commission; however, Jacob was going to have to ask Joseph to let these two children become Israelites and allow God to continue the commission in Canaan through them.

This meant that they would not be raised in the Egyptian ways; but in the way that God had selected for this people. Jacob felt God was going to bless them in ways of leadership and that they would continue to keep the commission of God alive after his passing.

As for Joseph, Jacob knew he had great responsibility in Egypt and that leaving Egypt was not feasible for Him. Yet Jacob wanted the work of God to continue and the bloodline of Joseph to be a part of this nation God was building.

But as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”Genesis 48:7(NKJV)

When it comes to family, circumstances can stop a person from doing the work of God. People die, tragedies happen, and it can be a lonely experience. As for Jacob he lost his wife, Rachel along the way. This almost stopped him from continuing, but the calling of God was greater.

Even when he received word that Joseph, Rachel’s son, was dead; it made him consider and doubt what he was doing. Indecision followed Jacob; but he pressed onward knowing his experience and command from God was real.

Now standing before Joseph and seeing his two sons, revelation was again making him alive with hope. He could see the future and needed to bless the lads who would go on to keep the commission alive.

Then Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?” Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place.” And he said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.” Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. And Israel said to Joseph, “I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!” Genesis 48:8-11(NKJV)

Not only was God letting Jacob see his grandchildren, Jacob was receiving the knowledge from God on how and who to bless. Like his father blessed he and his brother, Jacob would now let his words define the life these boys would lead. What a great opportunity for the man who remains faithful to God.

We all would like to live lives free from complication; but when choosing to serve God, you will find that it is like walking up hill. You will get tired, face challenges, and even contemplate stopping.

Yet when reaching life’s end, it will all make sense. Even up unto this day, Jacob did not understand how it would all play out; yet, now he is delighting in the opportunity to take the load he carried and pass it on to someone else.

God’s work needed good people like Jacob and Joseph; and even good people like the “one” who brought them together for this meeting.

God is still building a kingdom and all Christians are asked to be involved; for Christ gave us a great commission to preach the gospel to every living person and to baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Today if this message finds you will no service to God in your life or if you did serve and stopped; then pray, giving your life to Him to direct and let Him get you involved. The kingdom of God is a great commission that must be completed.

The Family Legacy.

The Family Legacy. Genesis 47:26-31.

So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions there and grew and multiplied exceedingly. And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. Genesis 47:26-27(NKJV)

Promised by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Joseph, the nation of people were thriving. What started with Jacob’s twelve sons and began to scatter abroad was concentrated by God into this one area of Egypt. God wanted them to grow together and not apart.

The only way to build this nation was for the family to stay together; this is a concept that people have long started to neglect in our world and continues to be set in the shadows.

The family unit is becoming diced and chopped up in our modern societies. I spoke with a family counselor about this very issue and the concept of a families influence on future generations was a very interesting topic.

Often in today’s societies, children grow up without parental influence, let alone family influences. These children seek to build their own identities and reach for the commercial influence of society to model to. However, when children have good models for parents, this search for identity is reduced.

It becomes drastically reduced when children are not only raised within a parented household, but a household that is a unit of a larger family. Uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins, nieces, nephews, and those they bring close to themselves, all interact to bring identity to each individual.

In many of America’s East Coast cities, families that emigrated from Europe still live in the sections of their city their families called home. As families, they influence each other and have regular interaction. This builds identity and comes with responsibilities for each family member to make the family proud.

This same concept was begun in the first church when Jesus told his disciples to dwell together and wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. When Gods spirit rushed in on them, the first church became as a family and we are told throughout the scriptures to dwell in unity as believers; therefore, the people of our churches can become our family.

This concept of family has to survive for our world to be a better place or unharmonious selfishness will overtake the hearts of the masses.

So the length of Jacob’s life was one hundred and forty-seven years. When the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “Now if I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with my fathers; you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place.” And he said, “I will do as you have said.” Genesis 47:28-30(NKJV)

Jacob was a father of twelve boys and grandparent to many children. It was getting close to the end of his life and he wanted his influence to continue even after his death. In this request of Jacob, we can see that even a family burial plot brings identity to the family.

So what is so important about being buried in the same burial plot as your family? It sets a tone of connection and pride. If you are of the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, one day your destiny would have you to lay alongside them in the family grave plot in hopes that those who you leave behind will remember you as well as it remembers them.

The stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are still being told today and every Jewish boy and girl is taught about their forefathers and identity passes along to each. The Jewish race is one of the largest and oldest in the entire world. When meeting another Jew, each has a tie back to their origin and with that a responsibility to make them proud. This is what family building is all about.

Along with this commitment of family origin is passed along the commitment to their own local families. Grandfathers influence fathers, who influence sons, who will influence their children. It passes along to each and so should the pictures, and stories, and the legacy of each. This builds family.

Then he said, “Swear to me.” And he swore to him. So Israel bowed himself on the head of the bed. Genesis 47:31(NKJV)

Jacob, who God changed his name to Israel, bowed himself on the head of the bed; as the son who he committed this to swore to him that this would be carried out upon his death. This ritual should be the goal of every father who is reaching the age of passing.

Parents must think of their lives as able to influence future generations. Their wishes need to be passed on, to their family. For myself, I have taken one of my sons and spoken to him about what my desires are for my grandchildren.

After I pass, I want to ensure that all of the work I have committed into preaching God’s word be passed to them so they may hear the words of their Grandfather. I also desire that they continue to pass it from generation to generation, so that my influence might transcend this present day.

Every parent has things they must do to influence their families to do good. It is these that we are to be busy doing. It is the way to make the world a better place and build the kingdom of God.

Israel was not yet going to die, but he made pre arrangements for that time. Though he waited until he was old in years to do this, there is no reason why you have to wait.

Make those plans, speak to your families about unity, and help them to see their position in the family as a legacy to be remembered. Encourage them to work towards it and build your family unit.

The last thing the family counselor and I talked about was the importance of removing dysfunctionality suffered from their grandchildren’s knowledge. There is no reason parents need to repeat the sins of the past and those stories should be forever lost as secrets. “We need to pass on the good things we did, not the bad.” These were great words from a great man.

Surviving Tragedy.

Surviving Tragedy. Genesis 47:13-26.

Now there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. So when the money failed in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For the money has failed.” Genesis 47:13-15(NKJV)

Proceeding this time of famine was a time of plenty; is that not the way it goes in life? There was plenty of grain in the fields and their livestock had room to graze. People were buying land, and fighting to take land; now there had come a famine and all they valued disappeared, it became worthless.

The freest of person, no matter how rich they are, is a slave to their mortality. A person needs food to survive and our source for foods depends on the actions of others. Food must be harvested, transported, cleaned, and packaged, before it makes it to our tables and our world has placed their future in hopes that these chains of commerce to not breakdown.

All we see around us can disappear in moments. Should power grids fail and satellite transmitting end, it would cause a modern day famine. Natural disasters also contribute to desperate times. People are not beyond ruin and their reality is not beyond crashing in around them.

Should our electronics systems fail, ATMs would no longer be able to dispense the money most survive on. Stores would have to rely on a cash system until their supplies were gone. Chaos and looting would ensue and marshal law would have to go into effect and the military would have to replace the departmental police.

Certain collapse of the banking system would occur and the cash in your hand would be worthless. The coins you have saved would be only metal.

In Egypt, the famine had done just that. The money was worthless and the people were worried for their existence. Joseph had become the most trusted man in Egypt and he relied on God for wisdom on what to do.

With Joseph, it all began with a dream of Pharaoh. Joseph was given the interpretation and the dream was a warning from God that famine would occur. Yet though Joseph understood the warning, now he had to see the terrible realities come to pass. Joseph had to continue in faith to trust God for how to react to the circumstances.

Then Joseph said, “Give your livestock, and I will give you bread for your livestock, if the money is gone.” So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the cattle of the herds, and for the donkeys. Thus he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock that year. Genesis 47:16-17(NKJV)

When knowing the famine was eminent, Joseph stored up food in the storehouses of Egypt. Vast quantities he compiled and guarded as precious commodity. He was working for the Pharaoh and as a good workman he used those resources to buy up all the livestock, for that was the only thing of value.

Joseph looked at the future, as reveal by God, and took control of the circumstances. Looking at what was truly valuable; Joseph gathered grain for bread and seed for replanting. When others might stockpile their futures in land, gold, silver, and money; Joseph was able to see what was needed to sustain life.

His situation is not so different from ours. It has been revealed by prophesy and written in our Bibles that when the world reaches the end of days, there will be famine, sickness, and trials of great magnitude. Yet we live in a society that will not even prepare for surviving a minor earthquake. The smallest of tragedies rock our lives and in no way are we ready to survive end times.

When that year had ended, they came to him the next year and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord that our money is gone; my lord also has our herds of livestock. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our lands. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants of Pharaoh; give us seed, that we may live and not die, that the land may not be desolate.” Then Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe upon them. So the land became Pharaoh’s. And as for the people, he moved them into the cities, from one end of the borders of Egypt to the other end. Only the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had rations allotted to them by Pharaoh, and they ate their rations which Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their lands. Genesis 47:18-22(NKJV)

Many people put faith in the land they own; however, as you can see, land loses its value quickly when tragedy strikes. In Canaan and Egypt the fallacy that people owned their own land was most people’s conception; however, Governments control our lands and through a deed may hold our name, the ownership of land defaults quickly.

It is also interesting that Joseph used the conception of selling their land for rite of passage into their cities. Some governments have gone out and rounded people up and forces people to become slaves. Yet the finesse of Joseph kept peace amongst the people and made Pharaoh’s popularity high.

Then Joseph said to the people, “Indeed I have bought you and your land this day for Pharaoh. Look, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. And it shall come to pass in the harvest that you shall give one-fifth to Pharaoh. Four-fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and for your food, for those of your households and as food for your little ones.” So they said, “You have saved our lives; let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.” And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have one-fifth, except for the land of the priests only, which did not become Pharaoh’s. Genesis 47:23-26(NKJV)

Joseph was a man of God and his obedience to be kind to others is what made the difference in getting the land of Egypt back on its feet. The famine lasted seven years and in the end, commerce survived.

Most people in our world refer to men of God as being fanatics, extremists, and pushing their views upon the masses. When tragedy strikes, the world should hope for godly men to help them through the crisis.

This is why people preach the word of God. Not to condemn the world, but so the world might be saved from the perils they will face. So they may trust in God’s wisdom to survive.

We need godly people in offices of prestige and our children should be raised to be those men and women that make a difference. This cannot happen if we teach them to live in false realities of electronic worlds.

Yes, electronic media has a place; but reality, preparation for the future, and honor of God must be first and foremost our agenda for salvation.

Do not Discriminate.

Do not Discriminate. Genesis 46:28-34.

Then he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to point out before him the way to Goshen. And they came to the land of Goshen. So Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to Goshen to meet his father Israel; and he presented himself to him, and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while. Genesis 46:28-29(NKJV)

The land of Goshen was located just beyond the border of Canaan. It was important for Joseph to head off his family in order to pave the way for their acceptance by the Pharaoh. The Egyptians culture was not accepting of shepherds; the idea of shepherds was an abomination to them.

Have you ever been looked down on due to race, occupation, and other discriminatory profiling? It is a terrible thing to face. However, Joseph was about to proudly accept his family for who they were and make a way for them to dwell in the land peaceably.

It had been many years since Joseph had seen his father and the sight of him caused Joseph to break down in tears and fold into his father’s out stretched arms. Joseph had to live like he had no father and suppress the longing for his father; however, now that separation came to an end.

No matter if a person is dead or alive, parting is sorrowful. That is the way God intended it to be. God desires us to dwell in love and unity; however, the sting of sin and death has ravaged our lives.

And Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive.” Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘My brothers and those of my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. And the men are shepherds, for their occupation has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have.’ So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till now, both we and also our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” Genesis 46:30-34

Israel, whose name was first Jacob, felt that seeing his “supposed dead” son was more than what life could hold for him and now he could pass to the grave happy. Not all people get this opportunity; death has a cold parting swallow and the grave has a never ending hold on mortality.

Thank God that He forgives sin and provided His own son as a sacrifice for our sin. In this there is hope beyond the grave and the sting of death is only a moment of separation; however, parting is never sweet sorrow.

Joseph was ready to face the truth of his existence; He was the son of a shepherd and his family tended flocks. This would make for a tense situation; for the Pharaoh had trusted Joseph to manage his countries affairs; and soon all of Egypt would know Joseph was a shepherd’s son. Most leaders will not take an unpopular stance before their people; however, Joseph was willing to risk all in honor of truth.

Then Joseph went and told Pharaoh, and said, “My father and my brothers, their flocks and their herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; and indeed they are in the land of Goshen.” And he took five men from among his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers.” And they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to dwell in the land, because your servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.” Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.”Genesis 47:1-6(NKJV)

We must understand that we are not to be afraid of who we are or how people will judge us. If we be righteous before the Lord, even our enemies will be at peace with us.

Because people are self righteous, they will judge you greater than they will judge themselves. Trying to trap Jesus, one day the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery before Him. They accused her of her sin and through it was true, Jesus turned to them and told them to stone her if they, themselves, had no sin.

With that understood, let us be as the Pharaoh and make a way to include others who need our help. Let discrimination be stricken from our hearts and our acceptance presented with boldness.

The Pharaoh was not intimidated by what other thought. He was only commanded by his ability to do good to this faithful servant and the family. Pharaoh did not let discrimination rule his life; he let goodness flow.

Pharaoh not only did he allow their passage, he gave them the best part of the land, which honored Joseph and Jacob.

Do you realize that God one day will allow people to dwell in the fullness of His kingdom? Like Pharaoh, He will accept people for who they are and not hold their position in life or race against them.

God will take the lowliest of men and raise them to a position of greatness. No matter the sin committed, God will forgive those who have humbled themselves before Him and believed in His wonderful savior.

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for all; therefore, we are to respect others and no matter their sin, accept them for who they are and support them.

The Importance of the Family.

The Importance of the Family. Genesis 45:21-28.

After a long ordeal of having his brother’s turn on him, being sold as a slave, jailed on trumped up charges, and working his way to the top position in Egypt, Joseph was reunited with his family, forgiving them for what they did to him.

Joseph saw a bigger player throughout all these people he was involved with; it was God that allowed every situation and though sometimes they were bad situations, God was working for the good of Joseph and the families began by the sons of Israel.

Even the Pharaoh had invited all of their families with their herds to the safety of Egypt as there were to be five more years of famine.

Then the sons of Israel did so; and Joseph gave them carts, according to the command of Pharaoh, and he gave them provisions for the journey. He gave to all of them, to each man, changes of garments; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of garments. And he sent to his father these things: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and food for his father for the journey. So he sent his brothers away, and they departed; and he said to them, “See that you do not become troubled along the way.” Genesis 45:21-24(NKJV).

The prompting of Joseph is a most interesting statement. “See that you do not become troubled along the way.” You see, the brothers had interesting ways of getting into trouble and Joseph wanted to remind them that they could still jeopardize their situation. Joseph knew that through they had salvation offered to them, they could still mess it up by sinning against their future.

Much like our situations we are saved by grace and not of ourselves, it is a gift of God. However, it we do sin we can confess our sin and be fully forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness. Yet, the Apostle Paul told us that he did not consider himself as already being safe, but that he was racing towards a finish line and after crossing over then he would have the prize; but the race is not over.

Many people like to pass off the mischief we can get into as being covered by the blood of Christ and that there is no worry. But the grasp of sin can once again take control of our life and pull us down to the pit. Continually we must consider ourselves dead to that old sinful life and resist the temptations of sin so that we may never fall short of the glory that awaits us.

This is what Joseph was telling his brothers; he wanted to see them back from their journey and safe where they could be a family again.

Then they went up out of Egypt, and came to the land of Canaan to Jacob their father. And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them. But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. Then Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” Genesis 25:1-28(NKJV).

There is no greater feeling than to be a father who is reunited with his family. In our generation, because of commerce and the ease of travel, families live apart from each other. Little is spoken about the psychological effects that has on them.

Recently a friend of mine showed me a photo he had found. In it were his grandfather, his great grandfather, and great great grandfather. In the days of old, a son would live not too far from his family and the influences of the elders played a significant role in shaping their lives.

Yet today many have traded that wisdom for acquired wisdom from the masses and children grow up without a valuable influence of knowing their grandparents and seeing how the family unit can help each other. This is one great reason why marriages have become so dispensable and other social harms occur from parted families also.

However, in our passage God felt it important to reunite this family. The family of Israel struggled and had their shortcomings, but God wanted to do a greater work in their life. He was building a nation of people and these were the birthing parents to that nation.

God went through much trouble to reassemble them and though it was in Egypt, what would come out of Egypt was going to be a great nation.

You can almost say that the same great struggle is happening today as God brings His people together in Church homes. We are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus and we are gathering together to so that we can influence each other for good.

God is forming not just a nation, but a kingdom of people who are going to work together to eradicate sin so that we might be one with Him in Heaven. Therefore we must not allow ourselves to be pulled apart and work toward the unification of the church as one. We must make to our safe haven so that God may do his work of building a kingdom.

The Big Reveal.

The Big Reveal. Genesis 45:1-20.

Have you ever kept a secret so long that it burst from your lips to catch the hearers off guard? This was the case of Joseph. He had hard lined his brothers; they were broken repentant men before God, and now it was time to let them in on his secrete. Their lives were about to drastically change for the better.

Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. Genesis 45:1-3(NKJV)

With a great burst of emotion, Joseph made a noise that caused his brothers to quake. “What was happening; what type of release was this?” “Was it a war cry? Would the great man of Egypt now take them on by himself?” Then came the answer, “I am Joseph!”

The shift in thinking had to have been a mental challenge that would make anyone dizzy. From complete terror they had to gaze past the Egyptian makeup of this man of authority.

It had been so many years, what would the young Joseph look like. What character traits did his face have? “Could this be true?” they thought.

And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45:4-7(NKJV).

The promise of God is greater than your sin. It was a terrible thing that they brothers did when selling Joseph to the slave traders. Yet God looked past the sin and remembered the promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to be their God and make them into a great nation. The promise and plans of God do not end because we sin; God knows we are sinful people.

Joseph recognized this fact and watched the delivering hand of God throughout his horrible journey. He watched God deliver as he rose to prominence. Joseph looked at his life and realized that what was happening to Him was a work of God and he committed himself to it. Now standing before his brothers, he extends the hand of compassion to men who were great with sin.

“God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. ” In this statement Joseph was calling the men to repentance in hopes they would see the hand of God and world forgive themselves of the tragedies they have committed.

So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. “Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry. You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children’s children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have. There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine.”‘ “And behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you. So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him. Genesis 45:8-15(NKJV).

Oh what a wonderful feeling it is to be let off the hook when you are guilty; this is the work of God. He seeks to draw people to Him and uses the trials they bring on themselves to expose His desire to forgive them.

God waits for the day that he can reveal His plan for them and for the day that people will understand. Yet people have to want forgiveness and here, in our story, these brothers of Jacob wanted all of their trouble with the Egyptian people to go away and it did. They were forgiven, they were free from their past, they had received new life.

Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan. Bring your father and your households and come to me; I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land. Now you are commanded—do this: Take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and your wives; bring your father and come. Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’” Genesis 45:16-20(NKJV).

When God is for you, who can be against you? It is a fact that if a person repents of their sins and seeks to live a life that is God centered, God will began to move in the hearts of those around you.

Yes, He may move you away from you present acquaintances; but God desires you to live a Christian life that is peace filled, joyous, and one that you can worship Him.

God moved on the Pharaoh’s heart and filled it with compassion for the family of Joseph. From here on out they would be supported and taken care of in the land of Egypt and it was not by chance; It was by the providence of God.

God may be pulling at your heart strings for you to let go of your life and come to Him. You may have feared going to church; but God wants you to know that He sees the overall plan for your life and wants you to live in it at peace.

God can forgive all your sin and will if you are willing to be forgiven. You answer lies in the direction you head. Will you head to the place He is drawing you or will you go back to your old life?

Purging Sin from our lives.

Purging Sin from our lives. Genesis 44:1-34.

Joseph, the Pharaoh’s number one man, had successfully made his brothers, of another, mother into humble men. Without recognizing Joseph, he met with them, ate with them, and set them up so that they would bring his blood brother Benjamin to Egypt so that he might see him again.

Now Joseph needed to finish his business and give the family the attention they needed so they may no longer oppose themselves and be safe from the famine that had gripped the land. He did this without his brothers knowing who he was, or what he was up to. Joseph did this for their own good.

And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack. Also put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his grain money.” So he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. As soon as the morning dawned, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Get up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Is not this the one from which my lord drinks, and with which he indeed practices divination? You have done evil in so doing.’” Genesis 44:1-5(NKJV)

Joseph was so cunning and so intelligent when dealing with his brothers. If you remember at one time, Joseph peered up from a pit, listening to his brothers plot his demise.

He heard their cold heartless words as they spoke of killing him and finally, reluctantly, sold him to a slave trader. Now unbeknown to his brothers, Joseph had turned the tables and though they treated him with such coldness in the past, Joseph had a warm heart for God and was going to do what was right in honor of God’s greatness. Joseph was going to teach them a lesson and save them from themselves.

So he overtook them, and he spoke to them these same words. And they said to him, “Why does my lord say these words? Far be it from us that your servants should do such a thing. Look, we brought back to you from the land of Canaan the money which we found in the mouth of our sacks. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house? With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s slaves.” And he said, “Now also let it be according to your words; he with whom it is found shall be my slave, and you shall be blameless.” Then each man speedily let down his sack to the ground, and each opened his sack. So he searched. He began with the oldest and left off with the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and returned to the city. Genesis 44:6-13(NKJV)

Great remorse gripped the brothers and instead of arguing with each other, they ripped their cloths as a sign of complete anger. The anguish they felt was intense and now their trial was not over, but back to where they began. This nightmare was never ending.

They had no idea of how the cup got into Benjamin’s sack. Could their younger brother have stolen it? They were out of reason, fearful to the core; for when they were safe to go, they again became targets for terror.

So Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, and he was still there; and they fell before him on the ground. And Joseph said to them, “What deed is this you have done? Did you not know that such a man as I can certainly practice divination?” Then Judah said, “What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; here we are, my lord’s slaves, both we and he also with whom the cup was found.” But he said, “Far be it from me that I should do so; the man in whose hand the cup was found, he shall be my slave. And as for you, go up in peace to your father.” Genesis 44:14-17(NKJV)

The journey back to the house of the Egyptian leader must have been like marching down death row. As they walked it became plain to the men that God was repaying them for the iniquity and wickedness of their past. Thoughts of their sin flashed in their minds and the faces of those they murdered or dealt treacherously with live again.

It was God that was holding them accountable and now they were going to pay for every sin they committed. However, they willingly walked to their punishment for each person knew they deserved exactly what they were about to receive.

This time, standing before the Egyptian leader was no longer fearful; the men were ready to face their demise, they were sinners and their sin stood before God and God was holding them accountable. They deserved to be punished.

When they thought it could not get any worse and that they had reached the end of their lives, it got worse. The Egyptian leader let them go free and kept their youngest brother Benjamin as a slave. The meek lad, who had not committed great sins before the Lord, was going to be taken from them and he would suffer for the sins of the brothers.

Then Judah came near to him and said: “O my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s hearing, and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh. My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or a brother?’ And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, who is young; his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’

Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.’ And we said to my lord, ‘The lad cannot leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’ But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’ “So it was, when we went up to your servant my father, that we told him the words of my lord. And our father said, ‘Go back and buy us a little food.’ But we said, ‘We cannot go down; if our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we may not see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’

Then your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons; and the one went out from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn to pieces”; and I have not seen him since. But if you take this one also from me, and calamity befalls him, you shall bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave.’ “Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father, and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life, it will happen, when he sees that the lad is not with us, that he will die.

So your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father with sorrow to the grave. For your servant became surety for the lad to my father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, then I shall bear the blame before my father forever.’ Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers. For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that would come upon my father?” Genesis 44:18-34(NKJV)

The wretched man that Judah was has now taken the roll of trying to be a savior. Judah had thrown off his family values, married Canaanite women, worshipped other Gods, and raised his own two sons to do evil. The scriptures tells, did so much evil that God had to kill his sons. Now this act of selflessness was a new attitude for Judah; therefore, we know that even the hardest heart can be turned back to God.

The trials they faced were extreme. It was only by facing such trial that they could be saved from their own selves. The sin they allowed into their life had made them into despicable men, who lied, cheated, and even killed. Yet, now through trial, the men were shedding their sin, coming to the end of themselves, and crying out to God for help.

For some, this is what it takes; trials so great, so insurmountable that they see the truth about their life and they realize they deserve punishment.

Are you a person who has yet to turn from your sin? Is your heart still hard and do you choose wickedness over Godliness? Let this be a warning that God loves you so much that He will reach out to you like Joseph did to his brothers to turn you from your wicked ways.

Yes, we have forgiveness in Jesus Christ; but we have to want it so that we turn from our wicked ways and live life new. Judah was ready to give his own life to save Benjamin; He was starting to sacrifice; God was changing his heart.

Purged of Arrogance and Pride.

Purged of Arrogance and Pride. Genesis 43:18-43.

The son’s of Jacob had nowhere to turn in the trials they faced. They were going to have to face them head on and that was enough to break them, causing them to have to trust in the God of their fathers. Many people are this hard hearted; it takes a major trial to get their attention and even more to change them.

The son’s of Jacob traveled to Egypt to take back money that they may have been accused of stealing. They also had to take their brother, leaving their father at home worried that he might not ever see his last beloved son again.

The man they were to face was the most powerful man of Egypt; he was the Pharaoh’s head of the nation. Yet they did not recognize the man, for he was also their own brother that they mistreated and sold into slavery.

Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us as slaves with our donkeys.” When they drew near to the steward of Joseph’s house, they talked with him at the door of the house, and said, “O sir, we indeed came down the first time to buy food; but it happened, when we came to the encampment, that we opened our sacks, and there, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight; so we have brought it back in our hand. And we have brought down other money in our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.” Genesis 43:18-22(NKJV)

For some people it takes great trials to turn them into honest people. It seems the tougher the trial the lighter they tread on the ground they would have before trampled on.

God hates arrogance and pride. The Apostle Paul wrote that neither fornicators, drunkards, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, and sodomites will not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Many of these people who commit such sins are nice people; however, they will not see heaven because they are arrogant in what they do. When God says No, He means No! These cast aside His warnings in arrogance and to flaunt it before others is prideful.

The sons of Jacob were both arrogant and prideful; but now, having suffered in these trials, they are humble, obedient, and careful to not bring further trial upon themselves or their family. That is a big change in their life.

But he said, “Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. So the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed. Then they made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there. And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. Genesis 43:23-26(NKJV)

Their life was filled with sins of murder, betrayal, disobedience to their father, and disregard for others. They sold their brother into slavery and considered him dead. But now, they are forgiven and their lives beginning to be filled with peace. Can you imagine the weight lifted off of these men?

This story is the same every time a person comes to the end of themselves and repents of their sin before God. The God who says, “Vengeance is mine”, puts down His crushing hand to offer peace to those that will accept it.

The men were cleaned up and made ready to be in the presence of royalty. Their old filthy garments exchanged for new; they were clean and dressed in beautiful attire.

A feast was laid out for them and as they gazed at the lavish surroundings, they were pinching themselves for they deserved none of it. Their lives were not special or meaningful; however, they were accepted as being the people they were.

Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves. Genesis 43:27-28(NKJV)

They bowed when Joseph entered the room and they bowed when they answered this Egyptian man in command. They were humble, and their actions proved that they truly had been taught a lesson.

The Egyptian leader was a pleasant man towards them and very inquisitive and cared about their family. This was truly a privilege to be in the presence of such a great person.

Then he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.” Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, “Serve the bread.” Genesis 43:29-31(NKJV)

Overcome by emotion, Joseph had to leave their presence so that he might let him emotions flow. He had a position to uphold and that was a position of strength. He was a leader who could not show this type of emotion before his troops and before the brothers that still did not know who he was. Besides, he was not finished with them yet.

So they set him a place by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians could not eat food with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked in astonishment at one another. Genesis 43:32-33(NKJV)

To the brothers it seemed as if this Egyptian official knew everything about them. He kept his distance and the decadent meal was no doubt the best they ever ate and the quietest meal they had every shared.

Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin’s serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him. Genesis 43:34(NKJV)

As we have followed the brothers through their trial and into the presence of Egyptian royalty, we have had portrayed the very attitude that God wants every person to learn so that one day they might enter into His presence.

No matter your sin God is willing to forgive you; however, you must change your life, allow Him to clean you through the washing of His word, and learn how to approach royalty in reverence.

He does not see the sins you committed; He sees you as who you could be. God is ready to give you a new start; however, He wants to purge arrogance and pride from your life so that it may not hinder you from being in His presence on that day He gathers His people into the kingdom.

You’re Breaking my Heart.

You’re Breaking my Heart. Genesis 43:1-14.

There are times in our life that we are forced to let go and trust God. Where God desires that we would have soft hearts, freely surrendering to Him, our hard hearts are not so easy to give in.

Such was the case of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. God promised that he would be the father of a great nation. It was a promise made to his grandfather, Abraham and his father, Isaac; now the fulfillment was seen in Israel having twelve sons.

Now all that was being threatened and Israel was being forced to give up and let go of that dream. Israel sat bitterly thinking about the trial they faced.

Now the famine was severe in the land. And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, “Go back, buy us a little food.” But Judah spoke to him, saying, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. But if you will not send him, we will not go down; for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’” And Israel said, “Why did you deal so wrongfully with me as to tell the man whether you had still another brother?” Genesis 43:1-6(NKJV)

The bread they ate was bitter bread. To Israel it was obvious that all the sin that followed his children was being punished by God. Not only were they suffering, he was suffering and when it comes to responsibility for the children, the parents are always to blame.

God promised to bless Israel, but the famine indicated that the blessings had left and now he was being driven to release his last bit of control and give up his last son from his beloved wife Sarah.

But they said, “The man asked us pointedly about ourselves and our family, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ And we told him according to these words. Could we possibly have known that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?”
Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.” Genesis 43:7-10(NKJV)

The time was passing quick, so was the food they ate. Fears of losing the deal with the head of Egypt were fast on their minds and they had to plead with their father to make a decision.

Judah stepped up and said, “Let me take the blame if something happens” but his words must have caused great discomfort to Israel for Judah’s life was riddled with disappointment and shame. God even killed two of Judah’s son because of the wickedness they committed.

However, to Israel nothing made sense anymore. He had come to the breaking point; they were running out of food and the losses kept mounting. There was only one thing to do and that was to completely surrender to the situation and go with the circumstance.

And their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight. Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man. And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!” Genesis 43:11-14(NKJV)

There is a song sang in Christian Churches whose chorus says, “I surrender all to Jesus; I surrender all.” This is the attitude that God wants from his people. He wants us to have faith, trust in Him, and surrender all of our problems to Him.

I was told a story that expresses this fact and if it is true, it went like this. On the banks of a great waterfall a tight rope was stretched from one side to the other. A man with a cart was preaching this very message. “You must surrender all to God and step out in faith,” he said as he walked across the tight rope with the cart.

Arriving on the other side the man was applauded for such a great illustration and sermon. “Amen to that” said one brother standing in the front of the crowd.

“Do you believe it?” said the preacher. “I do pastor, I do,” said the man. “Then you get in my cart and we are going back.” Upon that statement the faith of the person was tested.

Weather the man got in the cart I do not know; however, there are many trials that are of such magnitude and they shake our faith. God would have us submit to the trial and trust Him to deliver. But do we?

Here Israel had to reach the breaking point; his sons were right there too. The circumstance was pushing them to the edge and there was no way they could avoid having to trust God for the outcome. Their hearts were hard and God was crushing the rock hard crust to get to the soft middle.

So the men took that present and Benjamin, and they took double money in their hand, and arose and went down to Egypt; and they stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon.” Then the man did as Joseph ordered, and the man brought the men into Joseph’s house. Genesis 43:15-17(NKJV)

The young men, who arrogantly caused so much trouble for others, were now humble, submitting, and walking very softly. They were learning to trust God and also to be honest men.

This is all that God wants. If you notice, all the sins of their past were not being brought up. They did not have to answer for every misguided action. God was calling them to repentance and all they had to do was straighten up and act as good men.

God is that way. He is not waiting to air your dirty laundry, He wants only that you repent of your sins and surrender you life to Him. From that point, He would that you walk softly, humbly, and do your best to sin no more.

Sure we will sin again, but the magnitude of our sin will be less for our hearts will not be turned to our own lust and greed, but towards his will. And if we sin, we have a mediator with God, Jesus Christ. All we must do is confess our sin and He is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Today, God may be pulling at your heart stings to let go of your destructive life and come to trust in Him. The person who listens will move through their trials quickly as God softens their heart. However, if you continue to resist, I would brace for some very had days ahead.