CHANGE OF HEART"Even in those afflictions wherein we apprehend ourselves wronged by men yet we must own that God is righteous, and finds out our iniquity." ~ Matthew Henry, Commentator
S - Scripture: Genesis 44:1-34
O - Observations:
Most of this chapter is dedicated to the earnest, tender oracle of Judah at the feet of Joseph. Judah humbled himself before Pharoah's servant, Joseph, pleading to take the place of Benjamin for the sake of his father, Jacob (Israel).
"Nothing could be said more moving, more tender; it was enough to melt a heart of stone. But to Joseph, who was nearer akin to Benjamin than Judah himself was, and who, at this time, felt a greater affection both for him and his aged father than Judah did, nothing could be more pleasingly nor more happily said. Neither Jacob nor Benjamin needed an intercessor with Joseph; for he himself loved them." ~ Matthew Henry, Commentator
Judah appeals to Joseph's pity addressing not the crime, but simply humbling himself based on the mercy of the one he laid before ...
Compare with this that of Job, in humbling himself before God (Job 9:15), Though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; I would not argue, but petition; I would make supplication to my Judge.
The next two points of observation are brought out by Matthew Henry and how true I find them.
1) Judah’s faithful adherence to Benjamin, now in his distress, was recompensed long after by the constant adherence of the tribe of Benjamin to the tribe of Judah, when all the other ten tribes deserted it.
2) Finally, how fitly does the apostle, when he is discoursing of the mediation of Christ, observe, that our Lord sprang out of Judah (Heb. 7:14); for, like his father Judah, he not only made intercession for the transgressors, but he became a surety for them, as it follows there (v. 22), testifying therein a very tender concern both for his father and for his brethren.
A - Application for me today:
First, in light of the final point of Matthew Henry's Commentary, I would say to be grateful to my Intercessor, Christ, who was a humble servant, who became my surety and who bows before the Father in my place. Can we even imagine? The words Judah spoke to Joseph, perhaps Jesus, now our Advocate, speaks on our behalf, " ... let not thine anger burn against (enter your name) ... For thy Servant became surety for (enter your name) unto my Father ... I shall bear the blame to my Father for ever ..." On the cross He bore our sins, He took our blame. Can we even understand such a great thing?
Secondly, today's Love Dare Challenge is about honoring those we love. Judah showed honor towards Joseph by bowing down before him, he showed honor to his brother by being willing to be a servant in place of Benjamin and he showed honor to his father by sending asking to send back Benjamin and thereby not taking the child born to his father in his old age.
Judah's heart had been changed over the years and now he was humble and honoring. "We cannot judge what men are by what they have been formerly, nor what they will do by what they have done: age and experience may make men wiser and better." ~ Matthew Henry, Commentator
The application for me today is to be humble and honoring towards those God has placed in my life to love. To love them because of the love I have been shown by Him!
P - Prayer in response:
Father God Almighty, May I be a humble servant to you and those you have placed in my life! Amen & Amen.
THE LOVE DARE CHALLENGE
We are now on Week 3 of the Challenge ...
Day 15: Love is honorable
Live with your wives in an understanding way . . . and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life. —1 Peter 3:7
TODAY’S DARE
Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.
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