Get the appBeginnings: A Study In GenesisSample
What does it say?
Joseph’s brothers again left Egypt with food but were soon overtaken and accused of theft. Once more in front of Joseph, Judah pleaded to be substituted for Benjamin, who appeared to be guilty.
What does it mean?
Joseph’s brothers were about to be tested to determine if their hearts had changed in the years since selling their younger brother into slavery. They were stunned when the supposed object of robbery was found in Benjamin’s bag. Joseph was willing to let them go only by keeping Benjamin as his slave. Judah, full of emotion and concern for their father’s life, begged Joseph to accept him as a substitute for his younger brother.
This was the confirmation Joseph desperately wanted to hear. He had given them a chance to prove themselves and was not disappointed. Restoration to his family was now possible.
How should I respond?
Chances are—your family squabbles haven’t escalated to the same level as Joseph’s. However, conflict between family members can cause division that lasts weeks, months and even years. What individuals have you had a falling out with? Have you written them off? Years of disagreements can lead to thoughts such as, “They’ll never change,” or “They don’t deserve another chance.” What can you do today to start mending those relationships? Will you choose to pray that God will bless them and soften their hearts? Remember, as long as you each have breath, there’s hope that the relationship can be restored.
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About this Plan
As its name implies, Genesis is a book of beginnings. The beginning of the world, the beginning of the line of Abraham, and the beginning of God's covenantal relationship with his people are all recorded in Genesis. Although filled with the sin, rebellion, and the chronic unfaithfulness of His people, God consistently demonstrates his covenantal faithfulness to bring about salvation and redemption for all who have faith in Him.
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