Today I read Genesis 42 thru 44, which talks about Joseph’s brothers two trips to Egypt to buy food. During the first trip, Joseph realized his dream had come true. During the second trip, Judah showed he had changed. Today I considered that sometimes it takes a while for our dreams to come true and guilt can change people.
Joseph’s Dream Comes True
Sometimes God gives us a dream for the future and it takes years to come true. Joseph’s dream took over 20 years to manifest. Joseph was around 17 years old when he had the dream (Genesis 37:7) and was sold into slavery. Joseph was 30 years old when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and was promoted (Genesis 42:46). Joseph was at least 37 years old when his brothers came to Egypt asking for bread and bowed to him (Genesis 42:6-9). Dreams can take years of trials, growing, learning, and preparing to be ready for all that God has in store for us.
Guilt and Change
Sometimes people realize their mistakes and change because of the guilt and grief they caused. Jacob grieved for Joseph a long time and became protective of Benjamin (Genesis 42:38). When the brothers are told to bring Benjamin to Egypt, they felt guilty because of what they had done to Joseph and that this was repayment for their evil. Judah pledged to be surety for Benjamin if they did not bring Benjamin back to Jacob (Genesis 43:9). When Joseph tried to keep Benjamin, Judah pledged to be in bondage instead of Benjamin (Genesis 44:33). Sometimes people sincerely change; we just have to pray to know when it is sincere.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Judah was a changed man from having Joseph sold as a slave to giving up his own freedom so Benjamin was free. Have you every believed one way and had a complete change of mind?