'It's all right,' he (Joseph's steward),
said, 'Don't be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you
treasure in your sacks; I received your silver.' Genesis 43:23
I just love the humour in God's word. I
couldn't help but chuckle at what the steward said when I read this verse.
Imagine the picture. Joseph's brothers returned to Egypt with Benjamin, and
when Joseph saw them he ordered, (obviously in Egyptian), that his steward take
them to his house and prepare a sumptuous meal for them, (v 16). They were
scared. They thought the worse when they arrived at Joseph's house. They
thought their arrival there was a prelude to something terrible that he had in
store for them for stealing the silver that they had found in their sacks.
Consequently, they put the case
supporting their innocence to Joseph's steward, believing that the fact that
they had now returned the silver they had found in their sacks following their
first visit, would confirm their innocence. Assuring them there was no need to
be afraid, the steward humorously
replied, saying that he had their payment and that it was their God who put the
silver in their sacks. On one level that may well have been true if one
believes that Joseph was following God's directions and that God had planned
the whole scenario.
It is a natural thing for us to be
fearful. Especially when situations and circumstances change, especially when
our welfare is in the hands of another. Why else would Jesus so often say, 'be
not afraid,' (Matt 14:27, 17:7, 28:10), or 'fear not,' (Matt 10:28,31, Luke
8:50, John 12:15) to his disciples? 'Wherever we may find ourselves, help us to
ever trust you and not be afraid, dear Lord, amen.' God bless you all.
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