TOPIC: CHRIST, OUR SUBSTITUTE

OPENING PRAYER: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 44:18 – 34

 MESSAGE

The events of Genesis 37 are echoed in today’s passage. That time, it was Joseph who was at the mercy of his brothers. Now, they are at his mercy. The sarcastic question in Genesis 37:10 finds its fulfilment in today’s reading. What can you learn from these events, in the light of Jesus’ teachings on relationships (Matthew 20:16, 25‐26)?

Judah here shows clear signs of change (compare 37:26‐27). Observe how he takes the lead (vs.16 & 18). What qualities are reflected in his speech in vs.18‐34? In chapter 37, he thought nothing of the consequence of their action on their father. Not anymore! What impact do you think his argument had on Joseph?

We learn from this that we should not write off anyone. God is still turning armed robbers into saints. Judah was ready to take Benjamin’s place and suffer for him. Many years later, Judah’s greater descendant, Jesus Christ, took upon himself the punishment of his erring “brothers” (Hebrews 7:22; Romans 5:6‐8).

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?

Closing Prayer
• Thank God that Christ took our place and died for us on the cross!

FORGIVE AND FORGET
Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

THANK GOD FOR:
☀ His mercies and forgiveness that has enabled us turn away from our sins and be called the children of God.
☀ Blotting out all our sins and remembering them no more.

PRAY FOR:
☛ Grace to equally forgive seventy times seven even as Christ has forgiven us.
☛ Humility to let go and rather pray for those who offended us, like our Master Jesus did.
☛ Willingness to reconcile and even forget all the hurts, so we can continue with our race.

PRAY AGAINST:
⚠ All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, malice and slander.
⚠ All condemnation of the devil that makes us down‐cast and beaten down instead of moving on in the victory Christ has given us.