QT 12/26/2025 Gen 43:1-25, Develop a life of prayer and not crisis prayer

Genesis 43:15–25 (ESV) —

15 So the men took this present, and they took double the money with them, and Benjamin. They arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph.

16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.” 17 The man did as Joseph told him and brought the men to Joseph’s house. 18 And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house, and they said, “It is because of the money, which was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys.” 19 So they went up to the steward of Joseph’s house and spoke with him at the door of the house, 20 and said, “Oh, my lord, we came down the first time to buy food. 21 And when we came to the lodging place we opened our sacks, and there was each man’s money in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it again with us, 22 and we have brought other money down with us to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.” 23 He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. 24 And when the man had brought the men into Joseph’s house and given them water, and they had washed their feet, and when he had given their donkeys fodder, 25 they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.

 

NOTE: I suppose they would have been worried in any case, but once again, their fear seems to be exacerbated by their guilt. It is as if they feel there is some payback coming without even knowing that the "man" was Joseph.

 

Joseph has had an impact upon his household. The servant gives the praise to God for the fact that the brothers had their money returned, even though he probably knew Joseph has paid it out of his pocket.

 

Simeon is brought out and the text suggests no knowledge of who Joseph is. I'm not sure Joseph cared to meet with Simeon privately since he and Levi may have been the hot heads who led the brothers against Joseph. When you have killed men in the past, it is easier to kill again.

 

The waiting for Joseph to return home probably added extra tension as well. These are critical moments in our life. Most people go to prayer when life seems unpredictable and dangerous. But we must not go to God only when times are difficult, but we must go to God regularly, especially when times are good. We must develop a habit of dependence on God that will carry us through the hard times.

 

PONDER:

1. How often do I speak to God? Is it only during the hard times or is it a regular habit that extends into the good times as well?
2. Have I developed a regular habit of prayer?

 

PRAYER: Father, I do pray each day but not as often as I should and not enough for others. In this new year, I pray to make regular prayer a more natural part of my life. It is getting there, and I've learned to identify triggers to remind me to pray. I pray to get better at seeing regular things as prayer triggers.