THE SECOND TIME AROUND

PROCLAMATION

“And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.”  Genesis 43:15 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of God which were revealed to and written by Moses under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  When Joseph’s brothers returned home, they told their father Israel all that had happened to them, and what the governor had asked of them, but he was unwilling to let Benjamin be taken. (Genesis 42:25-38)  The famine which prompted their trip the Egypt continued, and they had eaten all of the grain they had received.  Israel told Joseph’s brothers to go back to Egypt and buy more grain.  They refused to go without their youngest brother Benjamin. (Genesis 43:1-10)  Israel gave in and told them to take gifts of balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds to the governor.  He also told them to take double the amount of silver in order to return that which they brought back in case that was a mistake.  Then he said they could take Benjamin with them. (Genesis 43:11-14)  They did as their father had suggested and went back to Egypt carrying Benjamin with them.  When Joseph saw Benjamin, he told his staff to prepare a feast for them in his house and take them there. (Genesis 43:15-25)  When Joseph arrived they presented gifts to him and bowed down before him. (Genesis 43:26-28)  Seeing his brother Benjamin up close, and probably remembering his childhood dream, Joseph hurriedly left the room and wept. (Genesis 43:29-31)  When the food was served, Joseph ate by himself, and Benjamin’s portion was much larger than anyone else’s. (Genesis 43:32-34)

APPLICATION

The second time around the brothers’ trip to Egypt had a much better outcome.  They were given a much nicer reception and treatment.  They offered Joseph more gifts, their attitude was different, and they were obedient and brought Benjamin.  Today, we need to change our attitude and be obedient.  It has been said that “God is not the God of a second chance; He is the God of another chance.” (Author unknown)  Most of us have messed up more than twice and The Lord God still gives us another chance.  All we as believers have to do is confess our sins and He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)  If we were obedient to His commands we would receive the additional conditional blessings that He has promised. (John 15:10)