Rash Promises
Gen 42:37 And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.
Reuben makes rash promises ignorant of what God has already done. It does not occur to them to simply trust their God. The family had descended into a sort of godlessness that arises when things are bitter and hard. Jacob does not say God will bring Benjamin back, nor does any consult God for direction. But God is merciful and remembers His promises even when men forget theirs. Indeed how many times do men abandon a God that still remains there with them – helping them in spite of their rash words.
To offer the life of two sons as a surety is again unnecessary. God is our surety – for indeed only He can be so. The Bible does not ask us for strange offerings, nor is there any other sacrifice required for our sins. They have been paid in full, if only we will confess them to Him and accept His forgiveness. Failure to confess to God pulls us into various activities and promises which no one has required from us.
What sin are you hiding? One of the fruits of deception to others is a harvest of self-deception. The family of Jacob was reaping a downpour of exactly what they had sown. Perhaps as a family, a vigil of joint repentance crying out to God and to each other to seek forgiveness which is already waiting to be offered … would do far more good than promising to climb the Mount Everest for God.
Reuben has no power to do that which he advocates. The absence of God is to live without power. The absence of God is to dwell in foolishness. The absence of God is to speak empty things. When will you remember to return to Him, O prodigal son. Still, the mercy of God appears again as an inexhaustibly vast supply from which the family of Jacob continues to draw from. The mercy of God is truly amazing. Soon the days of fears and tensions will be over.
Mat 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
Jas 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by Heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Song.
I have no power of my own
I have no power of my own
Holy Spirit; I look up to you – Help me
I have no power of my own.
Prayer: O Lord, you are my refuge when I do not know what to do. I will be still and know that you are God. Help me. Amen
The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa
