NUMBER 46
'It's all right,'
he (Joseph's steward), said, 'Don't be afraid. Your God, the God of your
father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver.' Genesis
43:23
I just love the
humour in God's word. I couldn't help but chuckle at what the steward said when
I read this verse. Imagine the picture. Joseph's brothers returned to Egypt
with Benjamin, and when Joseph saw them he ordered, (obviously in Egyptian),
that his steward take them to his house and prepare a sumptuous meal for them,
(v 16). They were scared. They thought the worse when they arrived at Joseph's
house. They thought their arrival there was a prelude to something terrible
that he had in store for them for stealing the silver that they had found in
their sacks.
Consequently, they
put the case supporting their innocence to Joseph's steward, believing that the
fact that they had now returned the silver they had found in their sacks
following their first visit, would confirm their innocence. Assuring them there
was no need to be afraid, the steward
humorously replied, saying that he had their payment and that it was
their God who put the silver in their sacks. On one level that may well have
been true if one believes that Joseph was following God's directions and that
God had planned the whole scenario.
It is a natural
thing for us to be fearful. Especially when situations and circumstances
change, especially when our welfare is in the hands of another. Why else would
Jesus so often say, 'be not afraid,' (Matt 14:27, 17:7, 28:10), or 'fear not,'
(Matt 10:28,31, Luke 8:50, John 12:15) to his disciples? 'Wherever we may find
ourselves, help us to ever trust you and not be afraid, dear Lord, amen.'
God bless you all.
God bless you all.
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