Genesis Chapter 44.
I love this account with Joseph and his brothers. Judah gives a bold and courageous speech to Joseph regarding his brother Benjamin and his father Jacob. His words are powerful and heartfelt. Words he would never say to a leader in Egypt but his love and commitment to his brother and his dad is so great, he is willing to take the risk of losing his life for the sake of his brother and father's safety and well-being. It's something he really believed had to happen or had to be said. It is interesting to see what a person will do when they are truly passionate and committed to someone or something. Some turn their passion and commitment into evil and some into good. A politician may makeup an outrageous lie so they can accomplish their goal. A sports figure May train extremely hard so that they can be good at the event. Lord, may my commitment and passion about you be so great that I am motivated and driven to be bold in my faith. Courageous in sharing my faith. And willing to take risks, even if it means losing my life. Lord, may this passion and commitment be demonstrated with my family first then with anyone I come in contact with.
Joseph has set up the test to see if his brothers have changed or not. Judah steps up and takes responsibility. He is willing to take Benjamin’s place and it shows how he really does love and care about his father and younger brother. He can’t make up for his past mistakes, but now at this moment, he wants to do what is right for his family even if it’s him who has to pay the price. Being Rachel’s only other son, Joseph sees how his brothers from other mothers really desired to protect Benjamin and not cause more anguish for Jacob. What a difference from when Joseph was betrayed by them years before! Some people still change over time. God can make good things happen out of what may seem like bad situations.
Here’s the link for Under the Breath.
https://youtu.be/JSRp7ZcCU1Y
If Judah wouldn’t have spoke up , Joeseph would have been spending time with his “whole brother”, Benjamin, that would have been good for him… But the outcome would be devistating because it would cause the death of their father.
I think it’s interesting to note that earlier in this story, Judah was the one who said it wouldn’t profit them to kill Joseph so let’s sell him instead. I’m sure the brothers saw, and experienced, what it did to their father when he lost Joseph. They’re not willing to do it again with Benjamin. Judah makes a promise to his father that they will return Benjamin to him and when the time comes he follows through on that promise no matter what it might mean for him.
I think it’s interesting to note that earlier in the story it was Judah who said what does it profit us to kill him, let’s sell Joseph instead. I’m sure the brothers saw and experienced what it did to their father when he lost Joseph. They’re not willing to let it happen again with Benjamin. Judah makes a promise to their father that they will return Benjamin to him and when the time comes, judah is willing to follow through on that promise no matter what it might mean for him.
I didn’t think that posted! Sorry!!
I agree with all the comments about what a powerful speech Judah gives. It had to have taken courage. I hope that I can have courage and speak the truth when the time presents itself. I also noticed that it was Judah who stopped the brothers from killing Joseph, and it is now Judah who steps up to save Benjamin. How things might have been different for Joseph if he had spoken with courage all those years ago! But that was not the plan for Joseph’s life. Judah reminds me of a present day person, who might stand by when others are being bullied or hurt. He knows it’s wrong, and may even give suggestions that discretely help a victim, but he can’t fully defend or speak truth over the wrong doing until one life has already been risked. I pray that as a teacher I can help my students be like Judah the second time around, when they are first presented with a current day situation.