Genesis 42: 18-28

18 On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God: 19 If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. 20 But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do. 21 They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.”

22 Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.” 23 They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter. 24 He turned away from them and began to weep, but then came back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.

25 Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to put each man’s silver back in his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them, 26 they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left. 27 At the place where they stopped for the night one of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey, and he saw his silver in the mouth of his sack. 28 “My silver has been returned,” he said to his brothers. “Here it is in my sack.” Their hearts sank and they turned to each other trembling and said, “What is this that God has done to us?”

New International Version (NIV)

“Sooner or later, we all sit down to a big banquet of consequences.” So how do they taste? Better than crow, for instance? As sweet as revenge? Choices have consequences. I have been to that banquet!

Years passed after Joseph’s brothers threw him into a pit, sold him into slavery, and told their father he had been eaten. Like Edgar Allen Poe’s tell-tale heart, they must have thought of him often. Reuben reminded them he told them not to harm Joseph. Now they were experiencing consequences at the hands of none other than their victim and brother, Joseph.

What was Joseph thinking? On the one hand he was testing them. On the other hand, he wept as he carried out the tests. Forsaking the expression, “As Pharaoh lives,” he revealed his own faith, “I fear God.” He offered them life if they would leave a brother behind and return with their youngest brother.  The brothers were in no position to negotiate with the Prime Minister of Egypt. So they agreed. Simeon was taken captive, and they were given generous provisions, including the silver with which they had purchased the grain. When they discovered it, they attributed it to God. “What has God done to us?” The tell-tale heart of their own guilt was beating more loudly. Their hearts sank and they trembled before God.

Whatever we do today or tomorrow, it will all be done in the sight of and presence of our Holy God. He sees all, knows our motives, and holds us accountable. Consequences can be exceedingly bitter to the taste. Accordingly, we should choose our words and actions well today, for our sake and the sake of others. For God’s sake, let us treat others well.

Pray with me:

Father, help us to live this day to the full, being true to you in every way. Jesus, help us to give ourselves away to others, being kind to everyone, especially our own family members. Spirit, help us to love the lost, proclaiming Christ in all we do and say. Amen. 

Our Monday through Friday devotionals are in the book of Genesis this year. Join us for these devotionals as we learn together about our God and his Kingdom in the world.  

We also invite you to join us as we read through the Bible. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:

2025 Bible Reading Plan

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