with Elder Elico Manenji
Genesis 43:1-14: Joseph's brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin_
Jacob had earlier refused to send Benjamin with his brothers to Egypt but now that the grain they had bought was finished he was persuaded to give up Benjamin.
Benjamin as now his dearest amongst his sons he would give for his life for no death is so dreaded as that of hunger and famine.
Being cautious not to anger the lord of Egypt, they prepared double money for peradventure it was an oversight that their money was retained in their bags. Honesty obliges us to make restitution or pay a ransom for Simeon.
They prepared also a present for the lord of Egypt to pacify his anger, a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts and almonds.
The wiseman says, "A gift in secret pacifies anger: and a reward in the strong wrath"(Proverbs 21:14).
Text: "When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him"(Proverbs 16:7)
It was Jacob by the resolve of his faith in God that he allowed to send Benjamin to Egypt with his brothers. He entrusted him entirely by faith in God for he said, _“God Almighty give you mercy before the man” (Gen 43:14)._ Faith is that which makes us hold and cling to God when nothing else is left for us to hold onto as we surrender ourselves on His hands.
The Apostle Paul says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report"(Hebrews 11:1-2).
Genesis 43:15- The whole brothers are reunited with Joseph as they prepared to give him presents they are entertained.
When Jacob gave Benjamin, he parted with everything, he left himself with no son, Joseph had been perceived dead, Simeon was perceived as languishing in prison and now all his other children are gone away to Egypt together with his choice son Benjamin.
While we are willing to part with everything for the sake of Christ, we are not to bring anything as the price of our salvation or to offer anything that we have or anything that we can do, to recommend us to His favour.
For salvation is by faith, His only desire for human salvation is a broken and contrite heart which He has promised to accept when we must appear before God.
The preparation of the heart of man is from the Lord. We must bring our heart when we come into His presence, and it must be upright and contrite if we would see His face in peace as the brothers were now determined.
On meeting with Joseph, he asked ,"Is your father still alive, an inquiry they never searched for its meaning as they were in fear of their liberties being withdrawn from them.
As they were entertained, they brought their gift to Joseph and made a lowly obeisance before him.
Joseph seeing Benjamin his brother said, _“God be gracious unto thee, my son.”_ He had kind treatment of Benjamin and this assured the confidence of his brothers of good favours.
Text:
The best blessing is the grace of God procured upon repentant souls as every good gift is from above. God is the Author and Giver of every good and perfect gift. So there is one unspeakable gift, made for us and suited for our salvation and we have to accept this gift-Jesus Christ the Saviour. The Apostle Paul says, "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy"(Romans 11:29-31).
Appeal
In instances of distress,many seek the ruler's favour but Joseph directs his brother to seek the favour of the ruler of rulers, God himself. It is our duty always to seek divine favour when things are not well with us even in good times. The Psalmist says, "Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face ever more"(Psalm 105:4).*
Amen!!!
Elico Manenji
('263712952704)
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