A Time of Transition: The Problem With the Money (Gen. 43:16-23a)

 

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 01-16-2020

 

My Worship Time               Focus:  A Time of Transition:  The problem With the Money

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                               Reference:  Genesis 43:16-23a

 

            Message of the verses:  16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to his house steward, "Bring the men into the house, and slay an animal and make ready; for the men are to dine with me at noon." 17 So the man did as Joseph said, and brought the men to Joseph’s house. 18 Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, "It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us, and take us for slaves with our donkeys." 19 So they came near to Joseph’s house steward, and spoke to him at the entrance of the house, 20 and said, "Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food, 21 and it came about when we came to the lodging place, that we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full. So we have brought it back in our hand. 22 “We have also brought down other money in our hand to buy food; we do not know who put our money in our sacks." 23 He said, "Be at ease, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money."

 

            Now Joseph was seventeen years old when he was taken into Egypt and Benjamin was a lot younger than he was, and so it would have been difficult to recognize him, but according to verse sixteen Joseph did recognize him.  It is good to remember that this was God’s plan being worked through Joseph, and both God and Joseph wanted these brothers to come to repentance over what they had done to Joseph so that when He moved them into the land of Egypt there would be peace and the family of Israel could become the nation of Israel.

 

            When the brothers realized that they were going to Joseph’s house for dinner they became frightened because of the money that was put back into their sacks after buying the grain the first time so they spoke to Joseph’s servant and he pretty much told them not to sweat it.  He actually told them that it was their God who was responsible for having the money put back, and so it was. 

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  By reading this story of Joseph and his brothers, included is the part for today’s reading, it is coming more clear to me that it is God who brings about the things that happen in my life, things that sometime seem as coincidences to me.  This surely tells me that God is truly in control of my life and that I need to praise him and attempt to bring glory to Him in whatever I am doing.

 

Steps of Faith for Today:  Continue to trust the Lord to lead me and to guide me and fill me with His Holy Spirit that I may bring honor and glory to Him.