Day 7b – Genesis 43
Last month I read through the story of Joseph in the Bible (Genesis 37-50). Each day I was challenged to share what I learned. Here was my insight into Genesis 43.
A brother redeemed
Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I have one more thought that is radically shifting how I’ve always viewed this story. I’m finding this isn’t just the story of Joseph. It’s also the story of Judah. It is a parallel and interweaved stories of two men finding redemption – one for himself and the other for his family.
On day 2 (Genesis 38) the narrative took a short break from Joseph to his older brother Judah. In that chapter, Judah begins to rediscover righteousness and redemption.
As you read throughthe Bible, especially this narrative, you find at its core, the Bible is a story of God’s redemption. It’s how the unrighteous find righteousness in God. For clarification, that’s everyone. We all are inherently unrighteous until God redeems us and makes us righteous.
“Judah said to his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will be on our way. Otherwise, we will all die of starvation—and not only we, but you and our little ones. I personally guarantee his safety. You may hold me responsible if I don’t bring him back to you. Then let me bear the blame forever.” -Genesis 43:8-9 NLT
Judah, the one who sold his brother into slavery. The one who would have been happy to kill Joseph. The one who slept with his own daughter-in-law. The one who treated her as a prostitute. He finds redemption.
It’s never too late for the unrighteous to become righteous – no matter what evil you’ve done. There is always the opportunity for redemption. Sometimes it’s just a long road there.
Daily Blessing: God may I continue to walk on the road toward righteousness. Help me find redemption, no matter where I am on that road.
Daily Challenge: Think about the person you consider too far gone for hope. How could God be using the choices and circumstances of their life for redemption? How can you pray that they will begin the journey from unrighteous to righteous.
Miss a day? Find it here:
- Day 1: Genesis 37 – Joseph: A Story of Redemption
- Day 2: Genesis 38 – Judah: A Road to Redemption
- Day 3: Genesis 39 – Joseph: The Presence is Strong in this One
- Day 4: Genesis 40 – Joseph: Ain’t Nobody Got Time for This
- Day 5: Genesis 41 – Joseph: Skills to Pay the Bills
- Day 6: Genesis 42 – Joseph: Finding Freedom in the Truth
- Day 7: Genesis 43 – Jacob: Squeezed into Decision
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