IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 43:14a

First, "I will bear the blame" (1-14). The famine persisted, so Jacob told them to go to Egypt again to buy more food. Judah said they had no choice but to take Benjamin. Judah guaranteed Benjamin's safety, took personal responsibility and promised to bear the blame if Benjamin didn't return. How ironic since Judah sold Joseph into slavery and was bearing the blame secretly! Would Judah keep his word? Jacob sent them with Benjamin, gifts, double the silver and prayer for the mercy of God Almighty.

Second, lunch at the governor's house (15-34). Joseph's brothers were afraid of the lunch invitation, thinking it was a plan to enslave them. Why was the harsh governor treating them like guests? Kind acts look suspicious to liars. The steward told them their treasure came from God, since they paid him already. They bowed twice to pay Joseph honor. Joseph asked them about their father. He saw his baby brother Benjamin, blessed him, and left to weep. Then, controlling himself, they ate lunch, in their proper birth order! Joseph gave Benjamin the favor of five times their portions, perhaps out of love for Benjamin, or to test them to see if they still felt jealous toward dad's favorite son.

Prayer: Merciful Father, may we live in your grace, and lead others to your mercy, which we need continually.

One Word: We all need God's mercy and treasure