Read GENESIS 43
Hunger is one of the most basic, powerful drives of the human body. Without food, there is no life. As a result, hunger can lead people to do things we would not normally do. Such was the case with Jacob.
As the famine continued and food ran out, Jacob called for his sons to return to Egypt for supplies. His sons, however, reminded him of problem— Benjamin must go with them! Fearing the loss of another son, Jacob resisted; but finally hunger, and a pledge by Judah, prevailed. Gathering gifts along with double money to repay the earlier mistake, Jacob sent off Benjamin and his other sons to Egypt. His final prayer put the whole affair into the merciful hands of God.
In the narrative that follows we begin to see the outworking of that mercy upon the brothers. When they arrived in Egypt, Joseph ordered them to his house. The brothers feared punishment for the money found earlier, but the steward assured them all was well. The initial answer to Jacob’s prayer for mercy was coming true—water for washing, food for donkeys, Simeon restored, Joseph (still unknown to them) speaking well to them, and a feast from the royal table. God Himself is named as the source of blessing: “Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks” (v. 23). In these troubling times, God’s mercy shone forth.
There is more here than just mercy; God’s faithfulness to Joseph is also implied. Back in Genesis 37, Joseph had twice dreamed that his family would bow before him. Now, in fulfillment of that dream, when Joseph entered the house the brothers “bowed down before him to the ground” (v. 26), and then later bowed down again in verse 28. God’s mercy and faithfulness are on display.
APPLY THE WORD
Joseph waited decades before the fulfillment of his youthful dream. At many points, it seemed that being in a position of authority in his family was the most unlikely scenario imaginable. If you are waiting for God to answer your prayers, remember that He is faithful even when He seems silent. His mercy and compassion for you remain sure.
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