RPG Juniors
JOSEPH’S READINESS TO FORGIVE
OCTOBER 21
Genesis 44:1-12, 32-34
JOSEPH’S READINESS TO FORGIVE
Joseph loved God and was forgiving. He would not seek revenge on his brothers but wanted to be sure that they had truly repented of their evil deeds. That was why he tested them by falsely accused them of being spies and of theft. What they would do would tell.
When food ran out, the brothers paid a second visit to Joseph. It was after some hard persuasion that Jacob let Benjamin go along. Reuben even pledged the lives of his own two sons to Jacob for Benjamin’s safe return. To keep their end of the bargain with Joseph, Benjamin must be brought to meet Joseph.
The second visit with Joseph, whose true identity was still hidden, went smoothly. Everyone was treated with hospitality but Benjamin received five times more. However, everyone was happy and there was no jealousy. Joseph set the final test for his brothers. He commanded his servant to secretly plant his own silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. Then, they merrily set off on their journey home. But soon, they found soldiers, with a search warrant, in hot pursuit of them. They were so sure that none of them had taken Joseph’s silver cup that they even vowed that the person who took the cup would be punished by death. But then came the shock. Oh no! The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.
Imagine the panic then. How can they let Benjamin die? The brothers began to cry. What did they do next? This is also the answer that Joseph was keen to know. Would they desert Benjamin like what they did to Joseph? Would they leave Benjamin to die and then bring Jacob the grievous news which would surely kill the bereaved father too? No. They turned back to Joseph, every one of them. They were not prepared to let Benjamin nor Jacob die. They return to plead with Joseph to spare their youngest brother. This time, Judah stepped forward and offered his life in exchange for Benjamin’s. What sacrificial love!
Can we tell that Joseph’s elder brothers had truly repented of their sins? They must have passed Joseph’s tests because Joseph was so moved that he revealed his true identity to be united with them. Children, remember this happy reunion was possible only because Joseph was forgiving. Forgiveness brings peace.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving my sins. Thank You for the peace You have given me. I deserved to die because of my sins but I believe that You sent Jesus to die in my place to save me. Help me heavenly Father to be eveready to forgive others like Joseph was. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Posted in Junior
Genesis 44:1-12, 32-34
JOSEPH’S READINESS TO FORGIVE
Joseph loved God and was forgiving. He would not seek revenge on his brothers but wanted to be sure that they had truly repented of their evil deeds. That was why he tested them by falsely accused them of being spies and of theft. What they would do would tell.
When food ran out, the brothers paid a second visit to Joseph. It was after some hard persuasion that Jacob let Benjamin go along. Reuben even pledged the lives of his own two sons to Jacob for Benjamin’s safe return. To keep their end of the bargain with Joseph, Benjamin must be brought to meet Joseph.
The second visit with Joseph, whose true identity was still hidden, went smoothly. Everyone was treated with hospitality but Benjamin received five times more. However, everyone was happy and there was no jealousy. Joseph set the final test for his brothers. He commanded his servant to secretly plant his own silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. Then, they merrily set off on their journey home. But soon, they found soldiers, with a search warrant, in hot pursuit of them. They were so sure that none of them had taken Joseph’s silver cup that they even vowed that the person who took the cup would be punished by death. But then came the shock. Oh no! The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.
Imagine the panic then. How can they let Benjamin die? The brothers began to cry. What did they do next? This is also the answer that Joseph was keen to know. Would they desert Benjamin like what they did to Joseph? Would they leave Benjamin to die and then bring Jacob the grievous news which would surely kill the bereaved father too? No. They turned back to Joseph, every one of them. They were not prepared to let Benjamin nor Jacob die. They return to plead with Joseph to spare their youngest brother. This time, Judah stepped forward and offered his life in exchange for Benjamin’s. What sacrificial love!
Can we tell that Joseph’s elder brothers had truly repented of their sins? They must have passed Joseph’s tests because Joseph was so moved that he revealed his true identity to be united with them. Children, remember this happy reunion was possible only because Joseph was forgiving. Forgiveness brings peace.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving my sins. Thank You for the peace You have given me. I deserved to die because of my sins but I believe that You sent Jesus to die in my place to save me. Help me heavenly Father to be eveready to forgive others like Joseph was. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Posted in Junior