It’s time to sacrifice for others

Genesis 44

The process of healing and reconciliation does not happen overnight especially when you know what the other party is capable of doing. Take your time and deal with them wisely before you make peace and reconcile for good. The Bible says we should be peacemakers but it didn’t say we should be mindless peacemakers.

Joseph’s process of ultimately revealing himself to his brothers was slow and intentional. He knew what he was doing but they didn’t know. He wanted them to appreciate what had happened when he revealed himself to them. Thus, He set them up to test whether they will sacrifice for their brother or not and they passed the test.

What can we take away from this chapter?

#1. Reconciliation is gradual and intentional. (Genesis 44:1-17)

It was obvious Joseph was doing all these drama not for his own sake but for the sake of His brothers who did evil in the past. He set them up not for evil but to decode their level of readiness to give place for each other. Hence, he put his golden cup in the sack of Benjamin, the last son dearest to their father. Don’t just jump into a past relationship you have not tested to have repented from their evil or mistreatment. Joseph had forgiven them but wisely reconciled with his brothers. Test and prove that it is worthy of your time and energy. 

#2. We must learn to sacrifice for other people. (Genesis 44:18-34)

We must learn to sacrifice for other people who are not in the position to do the same for us. Judah willingly stepped forward to ask that Joseph take him as slave instead of his brother Benjamin. He promised his father in Genesis 43 to keep him safe so he was only honouring his promise. In the case of Tamar, Judah failed to honour his promise but he was a changed man now. It is within our power to help people when they are in trouble. People who can sacrifice for other people can do great things in life.

Joseph went through all these dramas with his brothers to establish that they had changed from their past deeds. He also helped them to be firm in their sacrificial attitude towards one another.

Take Action: Like Judah, be ready to sacrifice for another person to live.