People Can Change

Today’s Passage – Genesis 43 – 44 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Mark 5 – 6; Proverbs 17; Psalms 81 – 85)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 92:1 – 4

Read the “0117 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from today’s reading passage – “Passed the Test,” “Bereaved Again,” and “The Joseph Principle.”

One year ago today, I shared this devotion on how God changed Judah—and how He can change us. As I reread it this morning, I’m reminded afresh of the ongoing work of sanctification in my own life this past year. I pray it encourages you.

“And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.” (Genesis 37:26 & 27)

“Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren. For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.” (Genesis 44:33 & 34)

There is quite a contrast between the events that take place in chapter 37 and those that happen in chapter 44 of the Book of Genesis. In chapter 37, the brothers of Joseph want to put Joseph to death (all except Reuben). Judah, who is the fourth oldest son comes up with idea of selling his brother into slavery. While his idea spared Joseph’s life, consider the devastating pain it inflicted on their father, Jacob. Now, I am sure that most of us are familiar with the events that transpired in the life of Joseph; they are recorded in these chapters – 37 through 44. God had his hand on Joseph, and although he certainly suffered, God raised him up to a position of great influence and authority. But what about Jacob? For years Jacob thought his favorite son, Joseph, was dead. Joseph’s brothers had no problem going home and telling their father that their brother was killed by some wild beast. How could their level of compassion and care for their father be so low that they would be willing to put him through the tragic loss of Joseph.

There is certainly a change, however, in chapter 44. Joseph puts his brothers through a series of tests. (You will have to read the story for yourself in order to fully grasp the thought I am trying to convey here.) The final test is when Joseph arranges to “set up” Benjamin his youngest brother. It seems Joseph may have been seeking to protect Benjamin by keeping him in Egypt, away from potential harm by his brothers. He tells the brothers that Benjamin is going to have to be kept as a bondman in Egypt. But notice how Judah intercedes this time for his brother. He remembers what the loss of Joseph did to his father, and now he is doing everything in his power to keep the same thing from happening to Benjamin. He knows that the loss of Benjamin will completely destroy his father. He even goes as far as to offer to take the place of Benjamin. This is certainly a change from his earlier days.

Fast-forward to Genesis 44, and we see a remarkable transformation in Judah – God changed him. God can change you and I too. People can change. I believe the best way to bring about the needed changes in your life is for you to get as close to God as you can. I am convinced that as we draw nigh to God, He will purge the dross from our lives, and conform us to the image of the Lord Jesus. Do you desire to remain the same or do you desire to be more like Jesus in your life? Judah certainly bore a resemblance to the Lord Jesus here in chapter 44 in the way that he interceded for his brother, and by the way he was willing to be a substitute. Perhaps this is why God chose Judah, not Reuben, Simeon, or Levi to be the tribe that would give to the world the Lord Jesus.

God can do the same for you and me as we yield our lives and our will to Him. Salvation will bring about a dramatic change in your life, both eternally and while you are still living down here on the earth. It’s called sanctification. Salvation (justification) is immediate, sanctification is the process through which God gradually conforms you to the image of Christ. 

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – (2 Corinthians 5:17)

As you yield to God’s Holy Spirit, surrender to God’s will, and saturate yourself in God’s Word, He will change you. 

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – (Romans 12:2)

As we begin another year, where do you sense God calling you to change? Draw near to Him through His Word, prayer, and surrender—He is faithful to transform us.

If this devotion speaks to you, share how God has changed you in the comments below—I’d love to hear your testimony.


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Judah – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Listen to today’s passage – Genesis 43 – 44

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Genesis 43

(Second Milers also read – Mark 5 – 6; Proverbs 17; Psalms 81 – 85)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 92:1 – 4

Read the “0117 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Good Morning! In Genesis 44, Joseph tests his brothers by planting his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, leading to Benjamin’s accusation of theft. When the brothers return to Egypt, Judah steps forward to plead on Benjamin’s behalf…

“Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh. … Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren.” (Genesis 44:18 & 33)

In chapter 44 of Genesis, we find that Joseph tested his brothers by secretly placing his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, resulting in Benjamin being accused of theft. Judah stepped forward and made intercession for Benjamin. Reading this caused me to remember another member of the tribe of Judah – the Lion of the Tribe of Judah – the Lord Jesus Christ.

Judah interceded for his brother; Jesus intercedes for us.

Judah’s selfless plea points us forward to a greater Intercessor from his own tribe—the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, our Lord Jesus Christ—who intercedes and substitutes Himself for us in an infinitely greater way.

“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)

Judah’s mind was on his father and brother; Jesus’ mind was on us.

When Judah stepped forward, his mind was on his father, Israel, and his brother Benjamin. When Jesus went to the cross, His mind was on us…

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Judah was willing to become a slave to free Benjamin; Jesus tasted death to free us.

Judah was willing to leave his wife, family, everything he had to set Benjamin free…

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2:9-10)

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” (John 17:1-5)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John3:16)

Just as Judah’s plea moved Joseph’s heart, Jesus’ finished work moves the Father’s heart on our behalf. Have you thanked God and praised Him for this amazing grace yet today?

Peace!

We would love to hear your thoughts – Leave a comment !


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The High Cost of Unbridled Anger and Lust

Listen to Today’s Passage – Genesis 33 – 35

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Genesis 33 

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 25 – 26; Proverbs 13; Psalms 61 – 65)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 55:17

Read the “0113 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the Charles Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from today’s reading – “Lead On Softly,” and “Worried Over Nothing“

“And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.” (Genesis 34:25)

“And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:” (Genesis 35:22)

Boys Will Be Boys

Jacob’s household was full of boys—and full of trouble. I grew up in a home with four boys. We were blessed to not have any sisters. Girls have cooties: at least that is what I was told as a boy. In fact, even in my extended family, on my dad’s side, there were only boys. I had six male cousins, but no girls. I remember my grandmother would often get frustrated with our bad behavior. We were always fooling and fighting. We were being boys. She would often go get my dad and tell him: “Those Boys!” I must have heard that phrase come out of her lips a thousand times, and it usually meant that we were in trouble.

Simeon and Levi’s Wrath

Jacob also had a bunch of boys that would often find themselves in trouble. In fact the verses above tell of the shenanigans that three of the sons were involved in. The first involved sons numbers two and three: Simeon and Levi. (I was often referred to by number as a child as well.) It seems that these boys wanted to exact revenge upon a local hooligan that had raped their sister. Now, there is nothing wrong with these boys wanting to see justice done to this guy; but they took it way too far. Without the permission of their father, they go into this man’s village and kill every male. Jacob later recalls the event and says that the boys were instruments of cruelty, and that their anger was fierce (Gen 49:5 – 7). I don’t blame them for the way they felt, and I do not fault them for desiring revenge. I have three daughters of my own now, and I don’t even want to think about what I would do if this happened to one of them. Punishment for Shechem’s actions was justifiable but it needed to be done God’s way and His timing.

There will be many times in life where our passion, and our anger need to be yielded to the will of God.

Reuben’s Lust

If Simeon and Levi represent the danger of uncontrolled anger, the firstborn Reuben shows us the destructiveness of uncontrolled desire. This man also had a big problem with passion, but with him it was a sick lust for a lady related to him by marriage. This man had sex with his father’s concubine (kind of a second-class wife). His fleshly desires were out of control. He was certainly not considering the will of God when he did this. Consider for a moment the depravity of the human heart. Your heart and my heart. We need to yield our members as instruments of righteousness; and we need to walk in the Spirit so that we will not fulfill the lusts that are inside each of us.

Long-term Consequences

Unfortunately for these boys there were some severe consequences for their actions. You will recall that the boys involved in these two incidents were boys one through three, right? Reuben, the firstborn, should have received the preeminence and blessing of the birthright, but he lost it. Simeon and Levi were passed over because of their violence. The scepter—the promise of rulership—went to son number four, Judah. And from Judah came the Lion of the tribe of Judah: Jesus Christ. The only thing good that came from Reuben is a tasty sandwich with Pastrami (or Corned Beef), Sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese. The bottom line is that I want to exhort you to think before you allow your passions to take control. An act of passion takes only a moment, but the consequences are long term. Please, walk with God. Run every decision, every word, every act past His desk. Let Him control your passions.

A Failure in Leadership

One more thought regarding the story of Simeon and Levi. The slaughter in Shechem by Jacob’s sons, though caused initially by Shechem’s actions toward their sister, could have been avoided had Jacob took more decisive action. He was willing to let the rape of his daughter go unpunished and was further willing to yoke up with a bunch of ungodly people. Though what Simeon and Levi did was wrong, it prevented Israel from becoming inundated with godless philosophies. Marriages with godless people has always been a problem for Israel and God will later warn His people strongly against intermarrying unbelievers (Exod 34:15 – 16; Deut 7:3 – 4; 2 Cor 6:14).

Questions for Reflection
  • When have you experienced or witnessed anger that started as a desire for justice but went too far? How does the story of Simeon and Levi challenge the way you handle offense or protect those you love?

  • Reuben’s sin was impulsive and private—yet it carried public, lasting consequences. Where in your life are passions or desires threatening to override God’s authority, even in seemingly “small” decisions?

  • Jacob called Simeon and Levi “instruments of cruelty” because they used God-given strength in their own way rather than God’s. In what areas of your life (anger, sexuality, ambition, words) are you tempted to wield God-given gifts as instruments of cruelty or selfishness instead of righteousness?

  • What is one specific passion, reaction, or decision you need to bring before the Lord today and ask Him to bring under His authority? How will you practically “run it past His desk” this week?

 
I would love to hear your thoughts – Leave a comment


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Full Disclosure

Today’s Passage – Genesis 10 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 7 – 8; Proverbs 4; Psalms 16 – 20)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 89:1

Read the 0104 Evening and Morning devotion for today by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “Finding, Obeying, and Staying in the Place of God’s Will;” “Don’t Move Unless God Moves You;“ “The Beginning of Globalism; ”  “The Land Belongs to Israel;” and “The Earth was Divided.”

Have you ever lied to get yourself out of some type of trouble. In our text, Abram (Abraham) lied to Pharaoh by telling him that Sarai (Sarah) was his sister:

“10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land. 11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: 12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. 13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee. 14 And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. 15 The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. 16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. 17 And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife. 18 And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? 19 Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way. 20 And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.” (Gen 12:10-20)

Technically speaking, Abraham was accurate when he said that Sarai was his sister because she was his half-sister, the daughter of his father Terah. However, he was leaving out a big part of his relationship with Sarai and was not being completely truthful. The half-truth that Abraham told here and again in Genesis 20, this time to Abimelech, was the cause of many problems for Abraham’s family and for the people that he was lying to. Really, it represented a lack of faith on the part of Abraham to trust God to deliver his family from difficult situations even when he fully disclosed his relationship with Sarai. 

I have a few thoughts about this passage:

A Legitimate Fear

Abraham was right to be concerned about his family’s welfare in Egypt. Egypt was a dangerous place, and it certainly was a possibility that the Pharaoh would kill Abraham to steal his wife.

Have you ever faced a legitimate fear that tested your trust in God’s provision?

A Questionable Decision: Leaving Canaan

Abraham should not have gone to Egypt in the first place. He had just been told by God that Canaan was the land that God was going to give Abraham. When the famine came, however, Abraham’s faith in God’s ability to feed him through the famine was tested, and Abraham followed his own human wisdom instead and went into Egypt where food was more plentiful.

The Dangers Involved in Abraham’s Plan

Abraham premeditated and colluded with Sarai to not disclose to anybody in Egypt that Sarai was his wife. I wonder if Abraham would have allowed other men to sleep with his wife if he felt that was necessary for his own protection?

The Better Way: Trusting God’s Protection
  • Abraham did not have to volunteer any information regarding his relationship with Sarai, but when he was asked, he should have fully disclosed that she was his wife. God would have protected and blessed him anyway. God is more powerful than any earthly king.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Pro 3:5-6)

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” (Pro 21:1)

It used to be when people were summoned to be a witness in a court of law, they had to swear to “tell the whole truth.” They had to give a full disclosure of whatever they were called upon to be a witness to. It has been my observation that in our society there is a lack of transparency in most people. They are hiding things about themselves because they are afraid of the negative outcome that might be produced if people were to find out. I have discovered that it is best to be completely honest with people; to let them see the real you, even with all the flaws and warts. However, the good news is, even when our faith falters (and it will), God’s faithfulness doesn’t—He protected Abraham and Sarai despite the half-truth, just as He covers us in our weakness.

Have you ever been tempted to withhold part of the truth out of fear? What happened when you chose full honesty instead? I’d love to hear in the comments.

Share this post with someone who needs encouragement to trust God fully.


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