Keep Your Word

"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." -Genesis 44.32-33

If the sons of Jacob wanted to buy more grain their was a contingency they had to meet, bring your youngest brother with you. Jacob was hesitant to let him go. This was his youngest son, and the only one he had left from his wife Rachel. But there was a need for food, and Judah, his older son, had promised to look after him and bring him back.

They get back to Egypt, Joseph releases Simeon, the brother he kept as collateral, and allowed them to buy more grain. They had kept their promise so he keeps his. But before he sends them on their way he brings them into his home and feeds them. And as the grain is being loaded into their sacks he orders their money returned, and his cup placed in Benjamin's sack.

The brothers depart but soon are run down by Joseph's servant, and accused of stealing. Since they are unaware of the situation, the say that the guilty one will be put to death. Once it is found in Benjamin's sack they return and begin to plead with Joseph for his freedom. And it is here that Judah steps up.

He has promised to bring him back safely to his father, and now he is prepared to do whatever is necessary to keep his word. Joseph had no intention of killing Benjamin, simply of keeping him as his servant. Judah is not about to let that happen, and offers himself instead. He will keep his word to his father, even if it costs him his own freedom.

Men, how valuable is your word? When you say you will do something is it trustworthy? Or are you willing to go back on your promise when it becomes inconvenient for you?

Keep your word at all costs. What else has a man got if he doesn't have his word?

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor