The Life Of Joseph - From Prison To Prime Minister - Part 11
Courage Surfaces! Genesis 44 verses 17-34
The study of the life of Joseph has been fascinating. We have seen him betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery; falsely imprisoned for a charge of which he was totally innocent; forgotten by a man he had befriended; but finally promoted to the position of Prime Minister of Egypt. Meanwhile a famine had hit the area and the same brothers who treated him so badly had come to him for food. The brothers didn’t know it, but the ruler before whom they stood was the same brother they had sold to the merchantmen some 22 years earlier. They didn’t know him, but he recognised them; they’re a bit older and they’ve lost some of their hardness, but he would know their voices anywhere. The last time he heard them they were laughing at him; they’d put him in the pit; now it’s his chance to get even. Thankfully, that’s not what was in Joseph’s mind, but he did need to know if these men had learnt their lesson. So he set a plot in motion by putting his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, where it was discovered by his steward. There was one certain way of discovering the real state of his brothers' hearts; would they save their own
skins and hand Benjamin over to the same fate to which they had subjected him or had there been a real change of heart? Time alone would tell, but the plan was being carefully formulated as Joseph told his steward exactly what to do. Jewish tradition says that this steward was Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn son, and if so he must have really entered into the plan with his father as he faithfully followed his instructions. Just picture the scene, as eleven tough men spoke to Joseph through an interpreter, not realising that he understood every word they said!
He told them that Benjamin, their younger brother, in whose possession the “planted” cup had been found, must stay behind as they returned home to their father with the food. Was Joseph being vindictive when he subjected his brothers to the harsh treatment of false accusation, imprisonment and the threat of slavery, or did he have a clear objective in mind? As this story unfolds we begin to see the workings of Joseph's mind and it is clear that he wanted to thoroughly test his brothers to see if they had genuinely repented.
Our study this week will concentrate on Judah, one of Joseph’s older brothers, and we will see his Courtesy, Courage and Commitment.
Courtesy
Perhaps for one of the first times in his life, Judah now stood up for truth and righteousness. He faced a powerful diplomat of the Egyptian court and with Eastern courtesy asked for permission to speak. He then acknowledged that he was equal to Pharaoh himself, using such words and phrases as “Please” and “…don’t let my lord be angry”. He reminded him of their aged father back home who had already lost one son, and whose only other son by that marriage was the one he proposed to keep in the court. He stressed that if Benjamin was detained, it would kill their aged father. It was a speech of great courtesy; a model for those of us who claim to be Christians and sometimes have to address people in authority over us. Judah's speech has been called "the most moving address in all the word of God" and "one of the masterpieces of Hebrew composition". We are reminded of the Apostle Paul, who told his readers to “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4 verse 6). When writing to the Ephesian Christians he said “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” (Ephesians 4 verse 29). We have probably all met Christians who have so encouraged us by the words they have spoken, that our spirits have been lifted, and our step quickened. Then, sadly, there have been others who have caused us discouragement, and have made the Christian life just that much harder to live. May we take a leaf out of Judah’s book, as he spoke so well to the ruler, Joseph. Next we will see his …
Courage
This was not reckoned to be a time of fair trials. If a ruler took a dislike to a foreign visitor or to a servant, execution awaited them. You will remember that we have already seen the Chief Baker executed on Pharaoh’s birthday. The reason is not given, but it could well have been as small a matter as the burning of some cakes! Judah and his brothers probably knew the way in which they could be treated if they overstepped the mark, yet with superb courage this man stood in front of Joseph and pleaded for his young brother. It must have warmed Joseph’s heart to see the total change that had come over his brother, Judah, since the day when he had suggested that they sold him to the Ishmaelite merchants, as they travelled through the desert. Joseph could probably still hear Judah’s voice ringing in his ears, even as he stood before him “What will we gain if we kill our brother…let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites…” (Genesis 37 verse 27). There was no desire then to stand up and be counted. There was no thought of resisting the wishes of the other brothers, and pleading for Joseph at that time. It would seem that the discipline of these last few months of famine had worked wonders in the man’s heart. Can I ask you a personal question? Do you really believe that God can change you, or have you given up? When the hard times come into your life do you complain bitterly, or try to learn patience, sympathy and understanding? When writing to the Christians in Rome, Paul could say “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5 verses 3-4).
Commitment
Now, the five parts of Judah's speech reveal something of his changed character...
... His Humility. Verse 18. Notice how courteous Judah was in his approach to Joseph, and how humble in his attitude. There was no bravado; no "heroics"; no excuses; just an acknowledgment that God had uncovered their guilt. Let us pause and ask ourselves if we are more ready to defend ourselves than to accept our wrong-doing? We also need to offer the prayer penned by a godly man some years ago "Forbid that I should fail to show to those nearest to me the sympathy and consideration which Thy grace enables me to show to others with whom I have to do". This calls for real humility! Next we see...
... His Psychology. Verses 19-23. In a most straightforward way Judah then recounted the previous conversation of Joseph. Very gently, but powerfully he told the mighty Governor that all this had happened because they had followed his instructions and brought their young brother to Egypt. Jesus told his disciples to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves and this is a lesson which we all need to learn. He then revealed...
... His Honesty. Verses 24-29. Everything was detailed, just as it had occurred. Joseph must have been impressed by the careful and honest way in which this previously devious brother recounted the events. Paul could say "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man", and when he wrote to the Corinthians he said "We do not use deception". But as the speech of Judah proceeds we see...
... His Quandary. Verses 30-31. By the time Judah told Joseph that the holding of Benjamin would "bring the grey head of their father down to the grave in sorrow" he must have been very close to tears, and Joseph himself must have been near to breaking his heart. This was the father whom he hadn't seen for over 20 years; the one who had given him the special coat, and who had loved his mother so dearly. There seemed to be no way out; but God knew the end from the beginning. Judah then made his final plea, and shining through all the other characteristics we see...
... His Bravery. Verses 32-34. Willingly and courageously he placed himself in Joseph's hands, pleading with him to take him and let Benjamin go free. And remember that Judah only saw this stern figure in front of him as the Prime Minister of Egypt, with almost unlimited power! This truly was sacrificial love but it is nothing compared with the love of the Lord Jesus, who gave Himself for His enemies!
We can never reach the perfect standard of Jesus, but how well do we measure up to this remarkable example of Judah? We are commanded to love one another, and that love must be shown in practical ways.