Seize the Moment – Day 437
Judah’s Shining Moment!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Friday, May 28.
How do you know if someone is truly sorry for their past behaviors?
Genesis 44 captures a shining moment in the life of Judah! Joseph, the ruler of Egypt and Judah’s long-lost brother, sets them up by placing his silver cup into Benjamin’s bag as they prepare to leave Egypt.
Joseph did that because he had to know if his brothers were truly repentant of their past sins, and words would not be enough. Before Joseph would reveal his identity to them, he had to know if his brothers had changed from the men who would sell a man into slavery, then lie about it and crush their father’s spirit by faking his death.
What happens to a relationship when the word “sorry” has lost all of its meaning?
The set up works! Listen to Judah’s selfless plea to Joseph in verses 32-34,
For your servant became surety for the lad to my father, saying, “If I do not bring him back to you, then let me bear the blame before my father forever.” Now, therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers. For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me—for fear that I see the evil that would overtake my father?”
Little did Judah know that his willingness to sacrifice his own life to save his half-brother Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, was exactly the right response. His sacrificial love for his father’s well-being was such a bright contrast—like night and day—from his past callousness.
Judah’s shining moment demonstrates that he is a changed person; truly sorry for his past.
Seize the moment and walk in repentance. Are there people you need to make amends with from your past?