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Good Morning.

Then Judah came near to him and said: “O my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s hearing, and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh.” (Genesis 44:15-16)

Despite the fact that Judah’s history is checkered with unwise decisions, at this crucial time in the history of Israel, he acts very admirably. Because he made himself surety for Benjamin, he acted appropriately when it was needed. As far as he knew, to act in such a way put his life on the line because the one he believed to be an Egyptian lord held life and death in his hand. To offer himself as a slave in Benjamin’s place is reminiscent of of Moses who said: 

“Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin – but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.” (Exodus 32:31-32)

In both cases, someone was willing to sacrifice themselves on behalf of Israel. Many years later Paul, who was from tribe of Benjamin, was willing to be cut off from the Messiah for the sake of his Jewish brothers (Romans 9:2-3) Of course, the ultimate example of one willingly sacrificing himself for the sake of others is Messiah. He made Himself surety to the Heavenly Father for all of God’s people. He is the Prophet like unto Moses who died on behalf of wayward Israel. For this cause, Messiah came into the world and lay his life down of His own volition. He said:

“No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (John 10:18). 

The point today should be evident: the example set before us is to prefer others before ourselves and to sacrifice for the greater good of God’s people. It may be that none of us are ever called to martyrdom but all of us are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are called upon to consider the needs of others before we consider our own. In this manner, we are challenged to put our lives on the line for those we love. As Yeshua said:

“Greater love has no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Blessings and Shalom,  

 

Bill  

 

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