July 26, 2023

Joseph tests his brothers by hiding his cup in Benjamin’s sack of corn. Why did he do that? Was it a punishment for selling him to the Egyptians, or could it have been to see how loyal they were to Benjamin? Joseph had control of their lives; he was the one testing their loyalty to his brother. Would they leave him there in service to the one they thought was an Egyptian as they had done to him? Judah spoke up after Joseph’s men found the money and the cup in Benjamin’s bag and made a heartfelt plea for his life. They knew that their father would be heartbroken if they returned without him, yet he made a case for him without justifying what seemed like evidence against him. They passed the test as they pled for mercy on Benjamin’s behalf. This portion of the story makes me think that God wants us to speak up on behalf of our brethren who have been falsely accused; he may test our loyalty to the church by putting us in a situation where we have the choice to hide our face or step up to the plate in their defense. Pay attention and be careful how you react in certain situations, knowing God may be testing you. How fitting was it that Judah came to his defense, a grandfather in the lineage of Jesus? Because of our faith, we have Jesus defending us without justifying our actions or holding us accountable. We are truly blessed.

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. Genesis 44:18