Genesis 43: The Mercy and Blessings of God | Sermon

 This week we pick back up in Genesis 43 and we read how Jacob will finally give in and send his son Benjamin to Egypt because #1 they need more food and #2 his son Judah pledges his own life in order to keep Benjamin Safe.

Genesis 43:1 Now the famine in the land was severe. Genesis 43:2 When they had used up the grain they had brought back from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little food.” Genesis 43:3 But Judah said to him, “The man specifically warned us, ‘You will not see me again unless your brother is with you.’

So here is the tension, they need food to survive, and Egypt is the only place that has food.

But in order to get the food, they need to bring their brother Benjamin back as evidence they were telling the truth and are not spies.

Even at this point Jacob is not willing to give up his idol, he is asking his 10 other sons to risk their lives, instead of letting Benjamin go.

What convinces him to finally let go is what Judah says next in v.8 .[1]

Genesis 43:8 Then Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me. We will be on our way so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our dependents. Genesis 43:9 I will be responsible for him. You can hold me personally accountable!

When Judah says You can hold me accountable literally in the Hebrew it is  “of my hand you shall require him.”

In other words, Judah is putting his own life on the line. This phase means that he is willing to die for his brother.

This goes further than what his brother Reuben said in gen 42, when he was willing to put the lives of his two sons on the line in order to convince Jacob.

Judah is prepared to place his own life on the line.^[2]

I think it no coincidence that through Judah’s lineage, his great, great, great grandson would be the Messiah.

Judah’ self-safcrafice is pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

Jesus would not only be willing to put his life on the line, he went through with it, he sacrificially gave himself up, so that we could live.

We were guilty, but Jesus said, hold me personally accountable.

And as we find salvation and rest and victory in Jesus’ sacrificial love for us. Jesus turns to you Christian,

John 15:12   “This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. John 15:13 No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.

If you have experienced the sacrificial love of God, you are to respond by sacrificially loving others. Judah was will to die to keep his brother Benjamin safe.

Christians are to have the same type of love.

Husbands are to give up of themselves for the good and love of their wife. Wives are to sacrificially love their husbands.

Parents are to make sacrifices for their kids, Kids are to lay down their pride and rebellion in love for their parents.

Church members are to love each other like Jesus loved us.  

Sacrificial love means giving the benefit of the doubt, assuming the best in others, giving up time and finances for the other person.

Not being selfish and prideful but humble and compassionate.

1John 3:16 This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1John 3:17 If anyone has this world’s goods and sees a fellow believer in need but withholds compassion from him—how does God’s love reside in him?

Rest in Jesus’ sacrificial love for you and, let that overflow with sacrificial love for others, don’t withhold compassion and mercy from brothers and sisters that need it more than you could ever know.[3]

After hearing Judah’s promise of protection and willingness to put his own life on the line, Jacob gives in.

2. Gifts and Dependence on God (11-14)

Genesis 43:11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balsam and a little honey, aromatic gum and resin, pistachios and almonds. Genesis 43:12 Take twice as much silver with you. Return the silver that was returned to you in the top of your bags. Perhaps it was a mistake. Genesis 43:13 Take your brother also, and go back at once to the man.

Jacob is doing everything humanly possible to protect his son Benjamin, they are in a famine, in threat of starving to death, and Jacob is risking it all to protect his son.

Jacob did something similar with his brother Esau, many many years before this, he presented him with many gifts in order to soften Esau’s anger.

This idea of gift giving is commended four times in the book of proverbs.

One instance says it like this: Prov 18:16 A person’s gift opens doors for him and brings him before the great.^[4]

Now we should not use gifts to unfairly manipulate people, but there is wisdom and it is kind gesture to give gifts.

It flows right along with the idea of self-sacrifice, giving a gift means giving up of something of value, whether that be material possessions or time. Giving a gift as good step forward.

And imagine how much better place the world would be if we made it a habit of giving more gifts, especially gifts to those who we might perceive as enemies.

Challenge for the week, gift someone a gift. Secret Sister Lunch Feb 4

Now as good and as important as being generous and kind is.

We must remember not to just take things into your own hands, and think if I just say the right word, or if give them enough of my time and gifts, then they will like me and treat me well.

We need to depend on God in every situation as Jacob will cry out with a Prayer for Mercy

Genesis 43:14 May God Almighty cause the man to be merciful to you so that he will release your other brother and Benjamin to you.

So he recognizes that at end of the day, even after all the gifts, the safety of his sons is dependent on God.

He can give all his possession, all his money, he can do everything in his power to keep his sons safe, but it is ultimately God who will cause the man in Egypt to be merciful.

God is the one with the ultimate power, he is the one Called Almighty. El Shadai in Hebrew.

God is powerful and mighty enough to bring Abraham into a covenant promise and bless him with children.

Gen 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless.

The same God who was powerful and Mighty to bless Abraham also was with his grandson Jacob, when God said to him.

Gen 35:11 God also said to him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation, indeed an assembly of nations, will come from you, and kings will descend from you.

Throughout the Scriptures God is shown to be God Almighty for his people, he is strong and powerful to build them up, bring them through difficult times, bless them in the midst of hardship.

We serve a God who is all-powerful and all mighty, we have no one and nothing to fear if God is on our side.

Genesis 43:14 May God Almighty cause the man to be merciful to you

Having difficulty in school, cry out to God almighty

Having difficulty in parenting, cry out to God almighty

Having difficulty in your marriage, cry out to God almighty,

Having difficulty in your job, cry out to God almighty for mercy and compassion.

Depend on Him in every circumstance.

Trust in God’s perfect will for your life. He may answer your prayer exactly as you asked it.

He might also answer your prayer better than you could have asked,

And then he might answer our prayer in a way we might only know about in eternity.

But no matter how God will answer we must remember that we serve a good and loving god, and we can say as Jesus said in the garden, not my will but yours be done.

As Jacob showed his trust in God, at the end of his prayer. Gen 43:14 cont. As for me, if I am deprived of my sons, then I am deprived.”

In other words, If it doesn’t work out the way I want, then it is what it is. God is God, God is still God almighty.

Just as Esther was willing risk death to do what she needed to do to save her people. When she said - Esth 4:16 I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish

Will you do what is right even if it leads to suffering and hardship?

Will you remain faithful to God no matter what. If a perish I perish, God is still God.

If God makes the problem go away at school, or he doesn’t God is still God almighty.

If he makes parenting a little easier tomorrow or he doesn’t God is still God almighty

If he fixes your marriage or doesn’t, God is still God Almighty.

If he resolves the issues at work or doesn’t, God is still God almighty.

And we can cry to him with our wants, our desires, and rest in his compassion and mercy.

With the gifts gathered and the prayers prayed, the head on to Egypt with Benjamin in tow. And as the stood before Joseph we see the unfolding of God’s blessing and compassion on them.

3. Too Good to Be True (15- 34)

Genesis 43:16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to his steward, “Take the men to my house. Slaughter an animal and prepare it, for they will eat with me at noon.”

Joseph sees their honesty, they did not leave their brother Simeon in prison. And he invites them into his house and he will celebrate and have a feast with them.

Joseph is like the loving and compassionate father in the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15.

In that story, the father represents God’s mercy and compassion to those who come to him in brokenness, in repentance, and in need of him.

However unlike the story of the prodigal son, the brothers did not immediately accept the blessing from Joseph, they were skeptical about this great feast for them.

They still had some lingering guilt, they still felt like they were about to be punished.

Genesis 43:18 But the men were afraid because they were taken to Joseph’s house. They said, “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time. They intend to overpower us, seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.”

Have you ever felt like a blessing is too good to be true.

If you truly understand your sin and the holiness of God, it really is almost too good to be true.

That you can be blessed with eternal life, as free gift, by trusting in the God of the universe, by trusting in god almighty. Its too good to be true.

I think this may be part of the reason so many false religions gain popularity. Because they hear the goodnews of the Jesus, and they say that’s too good to be true, I have to do something to contribute to my salvation, I have to earn God’s favor, it can’t be free.

But it is. The question is, will you accept it.

The brothers voice their concern to the servant, they make an appeal,

They say in Genesis 43:22 We have brought additional silver with us to buy food. We don’t know who put our silver in the bags.” Genesis 43:23 Then the steward said, “May you be well. Don’t be afraid. Your God and the God of your father must have put treasure in your bags. I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.

This is a shocking statement. They are thinking they are about be accused of stealing, and be punished, because remember last week, Joseph had told his servant to put that silver in their bags, perhaps as an additional test of their honesty.

And they were honest they gave it back.

And here is the key point, the servant attributes all of this to God.

Don’t be afraid, God is working in the midst of this.

God is working things out for your good. It didn’t look like a good thing at first, but just wait you’ll see.

Don’t be afraid Trust in God Almighty

Next in v.24 the blessing continue.

Genesis 43:24 The steward brought the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet, and got feed for their donkeys. Genesis 43:25 Since the men had heard that they were going to eat a meal there, they prepared their gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon. Genesis 43:26 When Joseph came home, they brought him the gift they had carried into the house, and they bowed to the ground before him. Genesis 43:27 He asked if they were well, and he said, “How is your elderly father that you told me about? Is he still alive?” Genesis 43:28 They answered, “Your servant our father is well. He is still alive.” And they knelt low and paid homage to him. Genesis 43:29 When he looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother that you told me about?” Then he said, “May God be gracious to you, my son.”

In this story, It is blessing upon blessing, they get cleaned up, everything is taken care of, and and now a special blessing on Benjamin, May God be gracious to you, my son.”[5]

And in the midst of all this joy and blessing

 Genesis 43:30 Joseph hurried out because he was overcome with emotion for his brother, and he was about to weep. He went into an inner room and wept there. Genesis 43:31 Then he washed his face and came out. Regaining his composure, he said, “Serve the meal.” Genesis 43:32 They served him by himself, his brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who were eating with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, since that is detestable to them. Genesis 43:33 They were seated before him in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest. The men looked at each other in astonishment.

NKJV Gen 43:34 Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin’s serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.[6]

Benjamin is chosen out and as the special and favored one. And there is no hint that the brothers are angered or envious of this. If God decides to bless someone more than you, praise God for their blessing.

They were likely astonished because they came in thinking it was too good to be true, how could they receive the blessing from the second in command in Egypt, how were they able to feast at his house.

Egyptians didn’t even eat with Hebrews. They were looked down upon, second class citezens. They were not worthy of the same kind of respect and honor.

But here there are receiving blessing upon blessing.

The grace and mercy here is even exemplified, because remember Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and left him for dead, and despite that Joseph is merciful, he doesn’t give them what they deserve, he invites them into his house and blesses them.

Sound familiar. The story of Joseph is pointing to the story of Jesus.

Jesus the one who was sinned against, Jesus the one who was persecuted, this same Jesus invited his enemies, sinners like you and me, into his house, he invites us to sit with him at the table, he invites us to receive blessing and honor. Is it too good to be true.

And Jesus does not treat us as Egyptians would treat the Hebrews, Jesus welcomes us into his arms. There is longer a separation, instead there is an embrace.

Just as the father welcomes the once far off and rebellious Son - Luke 15:20-24 Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. Luke 15:21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’ Luke 15:22 “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Luke 15:23 Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, Luke 15:24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

Its not too good to be true with God, his blessing are really this good, and they really are possible, all you have to do is accept the gift.

Respond

1. Accept the Gift

If you have never accepted the invitation of the father’s love, never turned from your sin and trust in Jesus, make him the Lord and Savior of your life today.

If you have made that decision today, During this time of response, please come down to the front and share that with me or one of our leaders today, so we can celebrate with you and pray with you as you embark on this journey to follow Jesus.

Also so if you have been a Christian for a long time at this time,

2. Cry out To God Almighty

The front of the stage and these first two pews are open for a special place of prayer, maybe if you need to cry out to God almighty today for something going on, cry out to god for help with at your job, cry out to God for help in your marriage, cry out to God for help with your kids, cry out to God for revival.

Let us stand and worship our great God and savior for all that he has done,

And As you feel led come down come and cry out to God almighty!

[1] Summarized - Genesis 43:4 If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy food for you. Genesis 43:5 But if you will not send him, we will not go, for the man said to us, ‘You will not see me again unless your brother is with you.’” Genesis 43:6 “Why have you caused me so much trouble?” Israel asked. “Why did you tell the man that you had another brother?” Genesis 43:7 They answered, “The man kept asking about us and our family: ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ And we answered him accordingly. How could we know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother here’?”

^[2] Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis, Chapters 18–50, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995), 542.

[3] 43:9 cont. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, I will be guilty before you forever. Genesis 43:10 If we had not delayed, we could have come back twice by now.”

^[4] K. A. Mathews, Genesis 11:27–50:26, vol. 1B, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2005), 788.

[5] This is the same blessing found in Numbers: Num 6:24-25 Numbers 6:24 “May the LORD bless you and protect you; Numbers 6:25 may the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

[6] Now this last phrase, were merry with him, this word is used 18 times in the OT, and 17 times has the negative and sinful meaning of drunkenness. It is used once positively in Song of Solomon 5:1.

So it is possible that it could be used positively here to mean merry, and the context would support that, it is a happy occasion of mercy, compassion, and feasting.

And the LXX Greek translation uses the word here positively in Psalm 23:5; 36:8, 65:9, 10, but the rest are negative.

If it was sinful drunkness, we should not be alarmed by that, they are imperfect people, they could have drunk to much.

It does not mean we can imitate their actions, because the bible very clearly pronounces drunkenness as a sin.