EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES
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THE BIBLE: EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES ICON. |
CHAPTER 44 JOSEPH TESTS HIS BROTHERS
In Chapter 44, Joseph plants
his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack as a second test his brother’s honesty. Being
unaware of the planting, they were horrified when it was discovered, since they
acknowledged the help that Joseph had given them, and that they had returned
his money (vs8). The brothers were not only prepared to let the wrong-doer die,
but also become his slaves. Joseph however reminds them that guilt ought to be
acknowledged by the wrong-doer, rather than indulging in collective false guilt
(vs10).
Joseph ups the ante and
demands that he meets the youngest son. Judah speaks up and is prepared
to be his slave in order to save his younger brother, since he had promised his
father that they all would return. He was also keenly aware of the grief that
this would cause his father. He stated: “For how shall I return to my father if
the lad is not with me. I cannot bear to see what this would do to him”. (vs
34)
So, what does chapter 44
mean for us?
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How does testing another
help in the healing process of trust? What happens when testing negates the
healing process?
Do we give others mercy, or
do we continue to test them in our process of forgiveness?
What is the difference
between true and false guilt?
Are we aware of the effects
of our actions on others and the pain it may cause them?
What would occur in our
relationships if we thought through our actions and how it may impact on
others?
How do we respond to other
people when their grief is intense and complicated?
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