Genesis 44, Mark 7

Friday, Jan 25, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 44, Mark 7)


(Genesis 44)

Joseph was testing his brother’s affection towards Benjamin. Had they had the same angst towards Benjamin that they had years ago towards Joseph, it surely would have been seen in their response to seeing the cup in Benjamin's sack. But they defended him. They pleaded with Joseph. They were concerned about the impact it would have on their father. Judah even begged him to exchange his life for Benjamin’s. These men were different than they were when they “sold out” Joseph. They had learned their lesson. Maybe they had “matured” a tad and their priorities were changed. But the bottom line was that they responded differently to the opportunity to throw their younger brother “under the bus”.

Our lesson? We cannot judge what men are now, by what they have been formerly; nor what they will do, by what they have done. This is hard for us. But let us learn this lesson, for we are not judge, nor jury. We are never too old to learn. We are never too old to grow in wisdom.

We’ve all got moments in our past we are ashamed of. Mistakes we’ve made. There were poor decisions, selfish actions, and thoughtless efforts. I once said that “I’m glad they didn’t write the book on me when I was 20”. Fact is, I’m glad they didn’t write it on me one year ago. I hope I always feel that way.

(Mark 7)

Jesus made a pretty bold accusation in verse 9 when he said, "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!” This is so true today. Each of us must look personally and then corporately at what we value, what we prioritize, and hold it up to the truth. May God reveal his ways to us, that we may be found faithful to reject our own.