# 415 Tumbling Words

The Book of Genesis

Day 415

Ge 44:6 So he overtook them, and he spoke to them these same words.  7 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.  8 "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?  9 "With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord's slaves."  10 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."  11 Then each man speedily let down his sack to the ground, and each opened his sack.  12 So he searched. He began with the oldest and left off with the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack.  13 Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and returned to the city.

Have you ever opened your mouth only to have words tumble out that you wanted to grab and stuff back into your yapper? They fall out of your mouth like something falling down a flight of stairs, hitting some steps, missing others, awkwardly, painfully coming to rest at the bottom…..then silence. You hope nobody heard you, you couldn’t stop them on the way out, but now that they are out, you pray nobody paid attention.

I’m sure that’s the way Joseph’s brothers felt. ‘With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s slaves.” Unfortunately someone was paying attention…..someone always is. The servant replies before the echo of the last word has even settled. “Let it be according to your words.”

Notice what happens next, the brothers speedily took their sacks down and opened them up. They were frantic to say the least, because they know their quick tongue had put them in a dangerous place. By the way, you can be sure they found the money that Joseph had returned to them as well, but this time they don’t even pay attention to it. The money was the least of their concerns. It was the cup that was going to be the problem, and wouldn’t you know it, the cup shows up in the sack of Jacob’s beloved Benjamin.

Then as a sign of deep sorrow, they tear their clothing, for with their words they had just given Jacob’s precious Benjamin over to slavery just as they had with Joseph.

In the matter of speaking before measuring our words, Pr 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Let us remember today to be careful with what tumbles out of our mouths. Carefully measured words are less apt to kindle the raging fires spoken of in James, and certainly less likely to bring regret.

Jas 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

# 414 The Sin of Divination

The Book of Genesis

Day 414

Ge 44:5 'Is not this the one from which my lord drinks, and with which he indeed practices divination? You have done evil in so doing.'"

Did Joseph really practice divination or did the Egyptians just assume that he did because of his ability to interpret dreams? Drinking vessels were often used in the practice of divination in the Egyptian culture. Whether he used it for that purpose or not, is no excuse for us to engage in the practice of divination. That would be like saying, “well Solomon had concubines, why can’t I?” We’ve all heard that adolescent argument before haven’t we? And mother always replied, “Well if Solomon jumps off a cliff will you jump off too?”

The point is divination of any kind is forbidden in Scripture. Okay. What is divination? It is defined as “those attempts to forsee the future or discover knowledge by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers.” It would be the modern day equivalent of a psychic reading, a horoscope, or a ouija board to name a few.

Listen to what the Word of God has to say about divination: De 18:10 "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 "or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.  12 "For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.  13 "You shall be blameless before the LORD your God.  14 "For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you.

We are being barraged on every side by such things in our society today. The internet and social media are rife with invitations to engage in this practice. Even those innocent little quizzes found on Facebook are often gateways to horoscopes. “Glow in the dark,” and cute little pink ouija boards are being marketed to our children, all in the name of fun.

Read that passage in Deuteronomy again, because there is nothing fun in those things that God considers an abomination! If you have been caught up in any of these things, confess it as sin, receive God’s forgiveness, and flee from its practices.

Remember, anything you really need to know about your future can be found in the Word of God, :the more sure prophetic word.” (2 Peter 1:19)

# 413 Testing 1....2 Testing

The Book of Genesis

Day 413

Ge 44:1 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.  2 "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.  3 As soon as the morning dawned, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys.  4 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?  5 'Is not this the one from which my lord drinks, and with which he indeed practices divination? You have done evil in so doing.'"

Joseph plants his silver cup in the sack of Benjamin. Having sown the seeds of jealousy among his brothers, he now will find out if the brothers have really changed their ways. These are the hard-hearted brothers who gave no thought to their father or Joseph when they sold Joseph into slavery. They gave no thought to bringing back the prized coat of many colors dipped in animal blood to substantiate their lie that Joseph had been killed by wild animals. (I wonder how many nightmares Jacob had due to their lies?) 

At any rate, now, Joseph will find out if these guys have really had a change of heart. When the police catch up to the boys and find the cup it would be easy for the boys to say, “Way to go Benji, you stole the cup, now pay the price and go rot in Egypt. This time they would be justified in telling their father the truth and not have a guilty conscience about it. The cup was in Benjamin’s sack, he was guilty! Have they really changed their attitude toward their father and his other favorite son?

This kind of testing on Joseph’s part  may seem a little cruel, but it wasn’t cruelty that he had on his mind. Rather this test was designed to help and strengthen his brothers. This kind of testing is essential for the followers of Christ as well. It is vital that our head knowledge of faith be tried in the courtroom of real life trials. This testing is not for God’s sake, but for our own.

It is in affliction that Jeremiah wrote the Book of Lamentations. Listen to some of his words concerning his hope in the midst of his trials found in chapter three.

La 3:19 Remember my affliction and roaming, The wormwood and the gall.  20 My soul still remembers And sinks within me.  21 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.  22 Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.  23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.  24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!"  25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.  26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD.

Afflictions or trials, when borne, bring deeper understanding of God’s mercy, compassion, and faithfulness to those who persevere.

Jeremiah continues: La 3:27 It is good for a man to bear The yoke in his youth.  28 Let him sit alone and keep silent, Because God has laid it on him;  29 Let him put his mouth in the dust-There may yet be hope.  30 Let him give his cheek to the one who strikes him, And be full of reproach.  31 For the Lord will not cast off forever.  32 Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion According to the multitude of His mercies.

The lesson for all is to praise God for the tests. “The Father chastens those whom He loves.”  (Heb 12:6)

Are you in trial right now? God has a multitude of mercies waiting for you….hang in there, for the promise is sure, “Yet, He will show compassion.”

# 412 The Test of Jealousy

The Book of Genesis

Day 412

Ge 43:27 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?" 28 And they answered, "Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive." And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves. 29 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." 30 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. 31 Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, "Serve the bread." 32 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. 33 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. 34 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.

Having received the gift of exotic food from his brothers, Joseph begins the conversation much like you and I might begin a conversation with others. “How ya been? Is your dad well? Is he still alive?” That last one is a fair question, I mean who knows, maybe the only reason the brothers were able to return with Benjamin was that Jacob had passed away! You can’t resist from the grave!

Assured of his father’s well being Joseph turns to Benjamin and singles him out for a blessing saying, “God be gracious unto you.” This is quite a blessing in the Hebrew culture. It’s asking that God stoop down to Benjamin and grant him mercy. This kind of blessing could once again stir the pot of jealousy in the other brothers!

Joseph, overcome with the emotion of the moment, has to leave the room  to pull himself back together, and there is a subtle lesson for us here concerning blood relation. Never underestimate the strength of biological connection. There is a powerful, almost mystical bond between biological siblings and biological parents. Those of you in adoptive situations likely know what I am talking about. It’s a powerful draw and adoptive parents need to be prepared for it when it surfaces.

Joseph returns, the food is served and the brothers are amazed at the seating arrangement. They are all seated in the order of their birthright…oldest to the youngest. The food is served. (as an aside I like what the King James calls it here. It says “messes” rather than food. Must be where we get the term mess hall in the military. The Hebrew word actually means “portion.”)

And once again we see an action on Joseph’s part that could possibly stir up feelings of jealousy toward Benjamin as he receives 5 times more on his plate than his brothers. These acts of Joseph toward Benjamin remind me of what is written in Rom 11:11 concerning the stirring up of jealousy amongst the Jews: Ro 11:11 I say then, have they (the Jews) stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.

At any rate, the seeds of jealousy have been planted in this encounter with Joseph and while they bear no fruit during this time of merriment, there lies ahead a much bigger test for the brothers……stay tuned!

# 411 It Was Sorta Like Church

The Book of Genesis

Day 411

Ge 43:23 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.  24 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.  25 Then they made the present ready for Joseph's coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there.  26 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.

Notice how the tone of the encounter with Joseph has changed. The brothers entered the house of Joseph with guilt and fear, but the servant has calmed their fears and extended the peace of God to them. Simeon was brought out to them, evidently no worse for the wear. Things are looking up! The men are given water to wash their feet, their donkey’s are given feed. These are great signs of hospitality and acceptance.

Word reaches them that they would be doing lunch with Joseph at noon, so they took some extra time to make their present ready for Joseph. They wanted it to look and be the best. Quite a change from when they first arrived, wouldn’t you say?

When you think about it, this whole scenario is sorta like church. Some people arrive on Sunday with their own packages of fear and guilt. The gospel is preached, the peace of God or forgiveness of sins is offered to all and people are set free. Hospitality is prevalent. Gifts are brought and offered, and there is great anticipation of a holy meal with Jesus.

What a difference the gospel has made in the attitude of the brothers! Having received the peace of God offered to them, they prepare their gift with love and kindness, gratitude and excellence. Think about it. Without the peace of God extended to them and received, what do you think their attitude of giving would’ve been?  It would’ve been out of fear, and that my friend, is not an offering, that’s a ransom and it has no place alongside the gospel. 

Forgiveness of sins is not for sale! It cannot be purchased with money or good works. It can only be received as the gift it truly is from the Father through His Son Jesus Christ.

# 410 Sweet Words of Grace

The Book of Genesis

Day 410

Ge 43:15 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.  16 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."  17 Then the man did as Joseph ordered, and the man brought the men into Joseph's house.  18 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 fall upon us, to take us as slaves with our donkeys."  19 When they drew near to the steward of Joseph's house, they talked with him at the door of the house,  20 and said, "O sir, we indeed came down the first time to buy food;  21 "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.  22 "And we have brought down other money in our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks."  23 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.

Joseph knows only too well the animosity between the sons of Leah and the sons of Rachel. His heart is gladdened to see his brother Benjamin alive and well. He is glad to see that his father was finally able to let Benjamin go and trust his brothers to bring him to Egypt. So glad, that he decides to throw a feast for them.

Now remember, the brothers know nothing of this feast, they just know they are being taken to Joseph’s house and their natural reaction was fear! They were not yet aware of the grace that awaited them there.  They were still thinking in terms of judgment. “We are here because of that money that was in our sacks! He’s going to use this as an excuse to make us his slaves.” They were afraid of suffering the punishment they deserved. Justice would demand that they end up as slaves just as their brother Joseph did, and now it looked like God was finally bringing it to pass.

Notice how they begin to justify and plead their cause with Joseph’s servant. They maintain their innocence and the servant responds with the sweet words of grace. Words that God has uttered throughout the generations. Words that were uttered by His Son Jesus. Words that say, “never mind your fleshly justifications, your pretensions of innocence, your fear of punishment and justice being meted out to you. No! Peace be with you, fear not!”

And why should they not fear? The same reason you and I should not fear. Because that treasure in their sacks that the servant spoke of, is the same treasure God has supplied for us. God’s treasure of forgiveness is freely given. His justice was meted out when HE sent His only Son to die on the cross and pay the price of our sins. He doesn’t want our effort, our justification, our pleas of innocence. He wants us to simple surrender and receive the free gift of salvation….the treasure of His Son Jesus Christ.

# 409 The Softening of the Heart Begins

The Book of Genesis

Day 409

Ge 43:8 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.  9 "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.  10 "For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time."  11 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.  12 "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.  13 "Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man.  14 "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!"

Judah steps up to the plate and offers himself as surety for his younger brother Benjamin. Reminds me of similar words spoken from an offspring of Judah years later. Jesus, praying in Joh 17:12 said,  "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”

Judah volunteered to bring his little brother home even if it cost him his life, likewise Jesus volunteered to bring all of us home knowing it was going to cost Him His life! Oh what a friend we have in Jesus!

Jacob finally relents. He finally faces reality. He finally is able to release Benjamin. “If I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”

When our children or loved ones are gravely ill or in serious sin trouble, we may need to get to this place where Jacob is. We need to release them into the hands of a God who loves them even more than we do! Notice though, that Jacob doesn’t let him go without taking some sound steps for his son’s protection. Using what he has at his disposal, he sends along some delicacies of the land that would please the Egyptians. He also sends along twice the money to cover any doubt about not paying for that first shipment of grain. Last but not least he calls upon God to grant him mercy for the sake of Benjamin AND Simeon. Yes AND Simeon, and now we begin to see the grace of God work in Jacob’s heart as this is the first time we have heard of concern for Simeon!

Is anyone in your family physically or spiritually ill? By all means, use the resources God has placed at your disposal to deal with the problem, but also be willing to let go and let God. Invite His might and mercy into your situation through prayer and fasting. In so doing, grace will be released into your life as it was in Jacob’s.