Good Morning.
Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. (Genesis 43:8-9)
Here is another important statement uttered by Judah at a very crucial time – lives are on the line. Judah agrees to bear the blame if anything were to happen to Benjamin which means that he made himself responsible to see to it that the family is restored. With an expression that is reminiscent of Esther’s, “If I perish, I perish,” Jacob consents to Judah’s request and allows Benjamin to go.
In truth, Jacob put his life in Judah’s hands and that is saying a lot considering his track record. Yet there is obviously something in Judah’s words that outweigh Jacob’s concerns for Benjamin. It should be noted that Judah had lost two children of his own by this time and was, therefore, acquainted with the grief that Jacob felt. Perhaps this is why Jacob was more impressed with his words over that of Reuben’s (he had also volunteered to be responsible for Benjamin).
When someone who is acquainted with how we feel or what we are going through speaks into our lives, it can make a big difference. It’s one thing for people to offer advice but its a totally different matter when someone is speaking from experience. Those are the people we are more inclined to open up to and relate our deepest feelings. Those are the people that we are willing to listen to and make them a confidante. The ultimate example of this type of person is the Messiah who, according to Isaiah, is acquainted with grief and sorrow. Moreover, the writer of Hebrews says:
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Because He is acquainted with our trails and temptations, we can trust Him to understand what we are going through. Furthermore, we know that He is willing to listen to us and that is why we can come boldly before the Throne of Grace and find mercy. Our heavenly High Priest is, in fact, that friend who sticks closer to us than a brother. In the days ahead, we must certainly determine within ourselves to lean wholly upon Him for support and for the inspiration to take action.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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