“I received your money”
Gen. 43:23
Joseph had become the ruler of Egypt. When the famine came, his father Jacob sent his sons (Joseph’s brothers) from Canaan to Egypt to buy food, since there was food in Egypt. There at Egypt, Joseph saw his brothers and immediately recognised them. But they didn’t.
The brothers bought the food and returned after quite an eventful stay at Egypt. Simeon had to stay back. On their return journey, they discovered that all their money were in their sacks. Had they forgotten to pay? What had happened? They did not know. They became worried.
Since the famine was severe, they needed to return to Egypt to buy more food. But Joseph had told them that they needed to bring their youngest brother Benjamin along. If not, they would not see his face. The reason Joseph wanted to see Benjamin was that they were brothers from the same mother – Rachael.
Reluctantly, and after much haggling and prodding, they went again to Egypt, along with their brother Benjamin. Details can be seen from Genesis 43. It is an interesting and fascinating story.
As they reached Egypt, their first concern was the money that was in their sacks. They went to the steward of Joseph’s house and told him all about it. They also told him that they brought more money along with them to buy more.
But the steward said to them, “Rest assured, do not be afraid; your God and the God of your father must have put treasure in your sacks for you; I received your money” (Gen. 43:23). They must have been astonished and relieved at the same time!
You see, dear reader, we were in sin, rebelling against God. We needed to be saved, but we could never extricate ourselves from it, nor could we buy our way out of it. But our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ gave His life for us so that we may be saved. He paid our debts so we could live. He cleared everything and gave us exactly what we needed – salvation. Everyone who believes in Him shall not perish. Our money has been received because it has been paid for by our Saviour.
We will continue this tomorrow
