Transformation
I am being changed. It’s taken a while but with God’s help, and my husband’s prodding, I am on the road to transformation! I am a recovering over-reactor! Before my husband could get a story out of his mouth, I was flying off the handle! Before I got the whole picture, I was upset. And I was irritating!! So if he wanted to tell me something, he began to preface it with, “Now don’t say anything until I am finished talking.” While it kind of took me back at first, it was just what I needed. He made me aware of what I was doing. I was determined to become a better listener before responding. The Holy Spirit was also working on me with little reminders: Be slow to speak and quick to listen. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control. I’m not always victorious here, but I admit I’m doing better in these situations. The Bible says it well, “You’ll be changed from the inside out.” God is changing me!
Read Genesis 43:1-10
1. Why did Jacob change his mind about getting more food from Egypt?
2. How does Judah assure the safety of Benjamin? Compare Judah’s change of heart with Genesis 37:24-27.
Read Genesis 43:11-15
3. What does Jacob hope will happen? What does he send to the “the man”?
Read Genesis 43:16-18
4. How are the brothers treated when they return to Egypt this time? In your opinion, what kind of transformation might Joseph have seen in his brothers by now?
5. Of what are the brothers afraid? What might be the deeper reason for their fear of Joseph?
Read Genesis 43:19-23
6. How does the steward respond when the brothers explain why they are returning the money they found? What stands out to you in his reply?
It’s interesting that the brother who suggested they sell Joseph as a slave later pledged his life as security for Benjamin. He took full responsibility for his little brother’s life. God had transformed Judah’s thinking. Joseph eventually realized his brothers were changing. They were terrified of the punishment they deserved for throwing Joseph into a pit and selling him as a slave, but only God could have given them a new nature. Studying God’s Word renews our minds, resulting in transformation. Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Focus on God and His Word and you’ll see the transformation begin!
To return for more food, they would have to take their brother with them the second time. Jacob questioned the brothers about Joseph asking for the younger brother and Jacob did not want to send the young brother with them.
The brothers said they would not go down for more food if he did not let the younger brother go with them. Judah said to sell their brother to the Ishmaelite’s and his blood would not be upon their hands. His brothers were content with this answer. Jacob told them to take double money and the first fruits as a present along with Benjamin and tell the man it was an oversight. They took Benjamin and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph again for more food. Joseph saw Benjamin with them and he wanted to bring the men down and dine with him at noon time. The brothers got to go to Joseph’s house and have a meal.
I believe Joseph wanted to spend more time with his own brothers and having them in his house for a meal and fellowship around the table was a wonderful way to get to know them again after all of these years apart. Getting with friends and loved ones is a wonderful way of re-connecting one again and spend time talking about the LORD and all he has done for us. The brothers were afraid that Joseph would accuse them of another attempt against them – that Joseph would put them in prison and take their donkeys. The Steward told the brothers, “Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.” The point that stands out in my mind about what the Steward says to the brothers – was just how wonderful and good our LORD takes care of us even though we have done something wrong and we need to do the right thing. Our church here in Florida just recently asked the people and Pastors to read 30 chapters a day from the Bible and to study them during the rest of our days – I thought that was just wonderful – I always read at least 10 chapters a day with my prayer time – I find this such a uplifting way to start each day – I know sometimes we are hindered by the things of our days – but I do this the first of each morning – that is my time with the LORD – just me and HIM. Wonderful lesson again – Transformation of our lives is a good thing as long as you and I turn to the LORD – Thanks – Karen – we can dwell on this the rest of the week. GOD is so good to each one of us.