How can you tell if someone has had a change of heart? When do you know that God has moved in their life and they are no longer the same? Sure, people can tell you a lot of things, but for me, when I see their actions change, that’s when I believe. Take a look at how Judah has changed in Genesis 44:18-34. Now, therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad a slave to my Lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers.Genesis 44:33 NASBhttps://bible.com/bible/100/gen.44.33.NASB Judah, Joseph’s brother, the very one who had the brilliant idea to sell Joseph into slavery in order to get…

The moment of truth. There often comes that one decision where it seems everything boils down to how we respond in that moment. Joseph had planned it, and now his brothers are faced with it. Read Genesis 44:12-17 But he said, “Far be it from me to do this. The man in whose possession the cup has been found, he shall be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.”Genesis 44:17 NASBhttps://bible.com/bible/100/gen.44.17.NASB Benjamin had been treated as the favorite. He had gotten special things that the other brothers did not. Now, Joseph is offering them the chance to see Benjamin “get what’s coming to him.”…

Ever make a rash promise? Ever say something that, looking back, you wish you would have said differently (or not said at all)? Joseph’s brothers felt that way. They were stopped by Joseph’s servant and accused of stealing. Read Genesis 44:7-11. With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my Lord’s slaves.”Genesis 44:9 NASBhttps://bible.com/bible/100/gen.44.9.NASB They were so confident that they did not have the cup. They hopped down, opened up their bags and let the servant look. We’ll see what was discovered next, but here we see the overwhelming confidence that the brothers have. Obviously they have not checked their own sacks…

Earning trust. Joseph may have forgiven his brothers, but he didn’t trust them yet. So, he planned to give them an opportunity to prove whether he could trust them. Read Genesis 43:31-34. He took portions to them from his own table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they feasted and drank freely with him.Genesis 43:34 NASBhttps://bible.com/bible/100/gen.43.34.NASB Joseph’s brothers struggled with the idea that Joseph was the favorite. Joseph had the dreams, he had the special jacket, he was their Father’s favorite, and they sold him into slavery. How would they respond to another being treated as the favorite?  So Joseph began favoring Benjamin.…

Do what you know to do. Joseph’s brothers were in an odd situation. They had come back to get more food, but they were being treated very differently from last time. And, they were being treated very differently from everyone else they saw coming to buy food. What did they do about it? They went ahead doing exactly what they knew. Read Genesis 43:24-25 So they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there.Genesis 43:25 NASBhttps://bible.com/bible/100/gen.43.25.NASB In the midst of all the oddities of their situation, the brothers decided that the only thing they could do was to…

God is in control. No matter what we are going through or what plans we try to make, ultimately, we must admit that God is the one in control. Jacob knew this, but had to finally admit it and act on it. Read Genesis 43:11-15. and may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man, so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” Genesis 43:14 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/gen.43.14.NASB As much as we may know that God is in control, until we actually act on that belief, only then does that…

Self-sacrifice. Jacob’s sons didn’t have much experience with this, but now one of them steps up. The situation in Jacob’s household has becone desperate again and they need more food, but they know they can’t go get more grain unless they bring Benjamin. So instead of Reuben, Judah speaks up this time. Read Genesis 43:1-10. Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the lad with me and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, we as well as you and our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; you may hold me responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to…

What do you value? What you value is generally readily apparent when talking about plans or ideas. Our values influence and direct what we think and do. Jacob and his sons had a dilemma, how to get their brother Simeon back without losing Benjamin. Reuben had a plan. Read Genesis 42:29-38. Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “You may put my two sons to death if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my care, and I will return him to you.” Genesis 42:37 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/gen.42.37.NASB Jacob dismissed his plan and refused to leave Benjamin in his care. Why? Reuben’s plan show very clearly that…