Old Testament - Genesis 44:1-34 - Final Test
Channel: Calvary Chapel Windward
Date: 2016-03-07

Old Testament - Genesis 44:1-34 - Final Test - CC Windward - Pastor Tim

 Old Testament - Genesis 44:1-34 - Final Test - Calvary Chapel Windward - OAHU, HAWAII - Pastor Tim Newman - From Local Olelo / Oceanic / Time Warner Cable show "A View from Calvary" - Episode #: - Original Air Date: 11/11/2012 A.D.


PASTOR TIM's NOTES:

Genesis 44:1-34
“The Final Test”
1. There is a PLAN to frame Benjamin
Vs. 1-13
1a. The PLAN is to put their money back into the sacks again.
“Why have you repaid evil for good?
Was this true?
 Matt 5:11-12
Have you ever been falsely accused?
Judah does use a bit of logic here. Do thieves voluntarily return valuables only to
steal again?
1b. The PLAN included putting Joseph’s silver cup into the sack of Benjamin.
A silver cup was, of course, valuable.
Why does Joseph have such a cup?
It is because all Egyptian rulers had them.
The search begins from the oldest to the youngest. But in a horrifying moment
the steward lifted the silver cup from Benjamin’s bag.
The response was silent but spoke volumes.
“Then they tore their clothes” (v. 13a).
God has been working in the hearts and minds of these brothers.
Ps 34:18, Isa 57:15
2. The verdict is PRONOUCED against Benjamin
Vs. 14-17
2a. Before the verdict is PRONOUCED the brothers are bowing once again.
Vs. 14 and they fell before him on the ground.
Joseph turns up the heat.
Vs. 15 And Joseph said to them, "What deed is this you have done? Did you not
know that such a man as I can certainly practice divination?"
Notice the text never says he practiced divination.
2b. Before the verdict is PRONOUCED Judah says that they are guilty before God.
God has found out their iniquity.
Judah confessed their great long-standing guilt.
2c. Before the verdict is PRONOUCED Judah says that all the brothers are willing to
suffer the same fate.
Through Judah’s declaration of guilt they all accepted that God had uncovered
their sin. 
2d. The verdict PRONOUCED against Benjamin is a test.
Would they return home without Benjamin?
Would he become a slave?
Would Benjamin share the same faith as Joseph?
3. One final PLEA reveals the heart of Judah
Vs. 18-34
3a. Judah REHEARSES the family history to Joseph.
Notice the order of his PLEA.
 He recites the history behind Benjamin’s presence in Egypt.
 He predicts what would happen if Benjamin was not allowed to return home.
 He respectfully implicates Joseph.
 He recounted his father’s fear of losing Benjamin.
 He mentions the fact that they have already lost one brother who was torn
to pieces by wild animals.
 He says that if he does not bring Benjamin back then their father will die.
Joseph learned that Judah and his brothers now spoke differently about the
favoritism shown to Rachel and her two sons.
3b. Judah has pledged to take full RESPONSIBILITY for the life of Benjamin. Vs. 30
There had been a monumental change in the brothers’ hearts.
3c. Judah offers to REPLACE his life for the life of Benjamin.
He will substitute himself.
Jacob would no doubt hear of his son’s plea and understand the deep
transformation that had taken place in his life.
And now we can understand how Jacob could pronounce this blessing upon
Judah at this end of his life. Gen 49:10
We must never underestimate the transforming grace of God. 


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