Genesis 42:21-28 – More Trouble
Joseph’s brothers thought all they had to do was take a journey down to Egypt and bring back some food. They thought the only thing they’d be leaving behind was the money they paid for the food. But instead they have been accused by the second most powerful man in Egypt, the one who controls the food supply, thrown into prison, forced to leave one of their brothers behind as a hostage, and ordered to bring back their youngest brother, Benjamin, something they know their father will not be happy about at all. What a trip gone wrong! But all these circumstances have finally brought forth in their hearts the repentance they should have shown a long time ago. They see this as God judging them for the way they treated their brother, Joseph, and they seem to be genuinely sorry for what they have done. God gives us a conscience to bother us when we do things that are wrong, and He uses troubles to wake up our conscience and bring to mind things that may even have happened a long time ago, so we can be sorry for these things and ask God for forgiveness.
Even though it is very painful for him to keep his identity a secret, Joseph must make sure that these words of repentance from his brothers are genuine. So he keeps Simeon as prisoner and sends his brothers on home. But as they return they discover the money they had paid for the food in their sacks. Their hearts sink as they assume that this will only mean more trouble for them when they return to Egypt. For Joseph’s brothers things seem to be going from bad to worse.
Questions
- Why do Joseph’s brothers think this is happening to them?
- Who is left behind as prisoner?
- What is the purpose of a conscience?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would be sorry for our sins and ask God for forgiveness.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.