Athlete, Are You Willing To Learn?
*This series was written by the AIA staff team at the University of Virginia
Read Genesis 43
How ironic is the gospel of God’s grace! Israel is supposed to be God’s light to the world, and they will be through Jesus, but in this chapter a foreigner, an Egyptian servant, preaches the good news of peace and forgiveness to Joseph’s brothers (43:19-23). Instead of judgment, the servant tells them that their God has given them treasure. Of course, Joseph had apparently been faithful to proclaim the goodness of the God of Israel to his servant.
We also see Judah begin to rise as a leader among his brothers in this chapter. He takes the lead in speaking with Jacob (43:3), and unlike Reuben who offered his sons in Benjamin’s place (42:37), Judah puts his own life on the line as a substitute for the youngest brother, Benjamin (43:9). Here we see a glimmer of Jesus, the King who would come from Judah. Judah's transformation, which began in confession (38:26), is now evident.
Questions for Reflection and Prayer
1. The good news comes to Joseph’s brothers from an unexpected source, a servant who is not an Israelite. Are you willing to learn from unexpected sources, from people of a different socioeconomic stratum or ethnic background? The brothers likely received his words as good news because they were aware of their desperate need for grace.
2. Judah was willing to put his life on the line for Benjamin. Take some time to reflect on Jesus, who became our substitute in judgment.
Read Genesis 43
How ironic is the gospel of God’s grace! Israel is supposed to be God’s light to the world, and they will be through Jesus, but in this chapter a foreigner, an Egyptian servant, preaches the good news of peace and forgiveness to Joseph’s brothers (43:19-23). Instead of judgment, the servant tells them that their God has given them treasure. Of course, Joseph had apparently been faithful to proclaim the goodness of the God of Israel to his servant.
We also see Judah begin to rise as a leader among his brothers in this chapter. He takes the lead in speaking with Jacob (43:3), and unlike Reuben who offered his sons in Benjamin’s place (42:37), Judah puts his own life on the line as a substitute for the youngest brother, Benjamin (43:9). Here we see a glimmer of Jesus, the King who would come from Judah. Judah's transformation, which began in confession (38:26), is now evident.
Questions for Reflection and Prayer
1. The good news comes to Joseph’s brothers from an unexpected source, a servant who is not an Israelite. Are you willing to learn from unexpected sources, from people of a different socioeconomic stratum or ethnic background? The brothers likely received his words as good news because they were aware of their desperate need for grace.
2. Judah was willing to put his life on the line for Benjamin. Take some time to reflect on Jesus, who became our substitute in judgment.
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2019
May
Athlete, God CreatesAthlete, You're Made In His ImageAthlete, RestAthlete, RememberAthlete, God UnitesAthlete, Don't FallAthlete, Pain and Frustration Will EndAthlete, Stop ComparingAthlete, There Is No Middle RoadAthlete, Step Out In FaithAthlete, You're CleanAthlete, Know The CovenantAthlete, Know the NationsAthlete, Divisions ExistAthlete, God Makes PromisesAthlete, WaitAthlete, Location MattersAthlete, Who Is Melchizedek?Athlete, You Are IncludedAthlete, God Sees YouAthlete, God Gives Us Signs
June
Athlete, Be RemindedAthlete, Be Honest With GodAthlete, Reflect On His MercyAthlete, God Keeps CoveringAthlete, The Wait Is OverAthlete, God Tests Athlete, Put On The QualitiesAthlete, Be ChallengedAthlete, God works Evil For GoodAthlete, Glory is ComingAthlete, God Saves Messy PeopleAthlete, God Provides Athlete, God's in Control Athlete, God is PatientAthlete, Step Out in FaithAthlete, See the MarkersAthlete, Take Time to PrayAthlete, Let's Talk About Fresh StartsAthlete, Love is The CureAthlete, Grace is OffensiveAthlete, See the ForeshadowAthlete, Don't ForgetAthlete, God is NearAthlete, Are You Willing To Learn?Athlete, Give Thanks
July
Athlete, Cultivate IntimacyAthlete, Take ComfortAthlete, You Have An InheritanceAthlete, God Uses All of UsAthlete, ConfessAthlete, Don't DoubtAthlete, Make RoomAthlete, Ask Your QuestionsAthlete, Do Not ChargeAthlete, Be Aware of Resistance Athlete, Know Your HeartAthlete, Don't Be Stubborn Athlete, Trust JesusAthlete, Have Risky FaithAthlete, We Were Created For JoyAthlete, Understand the Already Not YetAthlete, What Are You TrustingAthlete, ReflectAthlete, You're a Royal Priest Athlete, PauseAthlete, Recognize His PresenceAthlete, Seek Justice
August
Athlete, Remember WITH not FORAthlete, David Wasn't Always PerfectAthlete, Confess to an Audience of OneAthlete, Be Honest With GodAthlete, Take NoteAthlete, Recognize the Preeminent OneAthlete, Put it to DeathAthlete, You Are Being RenewedAthlete, This is Your New UniformAthlete, Whatever You Do, Do It For JesusAthlete, Use A Different FormulaAthlete, We Are FamilyAthlete, You Have Three Deep NeedsAthlete, Fan The FlameAthlete, Start The FireAthlete, Know The AntidoteAthlete, Choose PeaceAthlete, Peace is a WeaponAthlete, It Was Not A Silent NightAthlete, This is How You Experience Peace
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