Gen 43:2 So when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.”
Jacob, Israel, is the father of 12 grown sons, many of whom have families of their own. I tend to think of someone in that position as wise and mature, but he still seems to be struggling with God and man and, most chiefly perhaps, himself. There is much commentary on this chapter showing Jacob’s leadership missteps. He seems to be driven primarily by fear. He has already lost Joseph, firstborn of his beloved Rachel. He is afraid he is going to lose Benjamin as well.
Gen 43:6 Israel asked, “Why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man you had another brother?”
In ways that I am ashamed to admit, I understand Jacob’s motivation. I know what the fear of something happening to my children feels like—it is the worse, most helpless sort of horror. My wrestling with my precious Savior over the safety of my children brought me to the realization that He loves them even more than I do, that He knows far more than I about the future, their future, that if we will let Him, He will make a way in their wilderness, not necessarily to safety but to a solid relationship with Him, one that could be forged no other way than through trials. That knowledge doesn’t make it any easier to not worry for their safety and well being. I still have to remind myself that He is in control, that He is sovereign. Help me, Jesus, to never lose sight of the fact that my children are Yours, fully and completely.
Gen 43:14a “And May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder of Your sovereignty, grace, and mercy. Thank You for being our shield and our very great reward. Help us to trust You. Always. Draw us closer. Amen.
Gen 43:14b “As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.