City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

¹ Then he commanded the steward of his house, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack, ² and put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, with his money for the grain.” And he did as Joseph told him.

³ As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away with their donkeys. ⁴ They had gone only a short distance from the city. Now Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? ⁵ Is it not from this that my lord drinks, and by this that he practices divination? You have done evil in doing this.’”⁶ When he overtook them, he spoke to them these words. ⁷ They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing! ⁸ Behold, the money that we found in the mouths of our sacks we brought back to you from the land of Canaan. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house? ⁹ Whichever of your servants is found with it shall die, and we also will be my lord’s servants.” ¹⁰ He said, “Let it be as you say: he who is found with it shall be my servant, and the rest of you shall be innocent.” ¹¹ Then each man quickly lowered his sack to the ground, and each man opened his sack. ¹² And he searched, beginning with the eldest and ending with the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. ¹³ Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city.

–Genesis 44:1-13 (ESV)

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰ To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

–Romans 12:14-21 (ESV)

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses of Genesis illustrate a twist of irony when Benjamin is framed by Joseph to have stolen the silver cup. Previously, Joseph’s brothers maliciously plotted to harm Joseph and have had to bear the guilt and consequences of their actions all this time. 

Here, they were trying their very best to protect Benjamin at all costs, and it seems somebody has it out for him despite their best efforts. Verse 13 reveals Joseph’s brothers are truly remorseful that Benjamin will be taken away: “Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city” (Genesis 44:13). 

Interestingly, there is no plotting or scheming taking place. Instead, Joseph’s brothers simply loaded their donkeys and returned to the city–ready to accept their fate. From their response over the potential loss of Benjamin and how this news will potentially impact their aging father, it is clear Joseph’s brothers have changed since their wrongdoing against Joseph. They are not overly concerned that their father seems to care more about Benjamin than them. They just came to get the grain peaceably and leave with Benjamin safe and sound. 

Application

The key takeaway from Joseph’s brothers likely learned from their plot to get rid of Joseph: two wrongs don’t make a right. No matter how unfair a situation is, taking matters into your own hands and acting from a place of anger and jealousy will only make it worse. 

Learn from Joseph and his brothers. Leave vengeance to God. Only He can make things right. Give the pain of any injustice you’re experiencing to God and make a conscious decision to forgive those who have wronged you and to forgive yourself for any wrongdoing as well. God can masterfully work it all out for good.

Prayer

Father God, I know You are well aware of the pain and disappointment I’m experiencing. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I choose to forgive those who have wronged me. I choose to forgive myself. I surrender it all to You. Do what only You can do. I trust You will work it all out for good. May Your purposes prevail. In Jesus’ name, amen.