It’s time to do good!

Genesis 43

Many people do not make any step forward in life because of a past experience. They are afraid that if they take a step, it will fail like what happened before. Hence, they endure where they are in life and never make progress.

Jacob reluctantly released his children to take his youngest son Benjamin to Egypt as Joseph requested. To avert dying from the famine, he let them go to get food. Joseph gradually built bridges to reconnect with his brothers who mistreated him. At this stage, any bad person would have harmed or retaliated based on what they did to him but Joseph feared God and treated them well. There was something divinely inspired he was operating under. He therefore broke bread with his brothers like Jesus did when He resurrected from the dead after the betrayal and denial of His disciples.

What can we pick from this chapter?

#1. Unless you take a step forward, you cannot progress in life. (Genesis 43:1-14)

Jacob feared that when he let his youngest son go, he may never come back like what reportedly happened to Joseph whom he loved and favoured. But the severe famine and persuasion of Judah made him release them to go and get food for the family lest they die. Many times opportunities may come in the face of challenges. You will never have a perfect time to make a step. You just have to seize the moment and make a decision to do something.

#2. Do good if you have the power to do it. (Genesis 43:15-34)

Joseph’s brothers finally came back to Him with their youngest brother Benjamin to reconnect with Simeon who was held back with Joseph. He sent them to his house and broke bread with them. Joseph could have done evil to them without anyone knowing. He could have paid them in their own coin. But as a man who feared God, Joseph rather chose to do good to them that did harm to him. Matthew 6 says that we must pray for our enemies and wish them well.

When we fear to fail, we cannot make steps into a desirable future planned by God for us. Also, it was an opportunity to heal the brothers old wound. One step can lead to multiple results. It liberate us and brings many fruits.

Take Action: Do not pay evil for evil. Do good to those who spitefully use you.