In Genesis 37, we see Joseph's life play out, from a son to a slave and later governor of the land, but for a moment the life of Joseph is placed on hold to zoom in on another character's life - Judah.
From the beginning, we are introduced to Judah as being a leader among his brothers. When the brothers wanted to kill Joseph, he gave an alternative that they should rather sell him for profit. The brothers were persuaded by his suggestion and followed along with the plan (Genesis 37:26).
Although both leaders, Joseph and his brother Judah did have their differences. In Genesis 37–50, we see the immediate contrast between these two brothers. Judah (Genesis 38), who visited a prostitute, and Joseph (Genesis 39–41), who flourished in Potiphar’s house and refused the temptations of his master’s wife.
But after the famine broke out and the brothers had to leave their families behind to journey to Egypt for food, something changed in Judah's heart. He had so much compassion for his father's heart, that when Benjamin had to go to Egypt, by order of Joseph, this was the response that Judah gave to his father:
Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy along with me and we will go at once, so that we and you and our children may live and not die. I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life.
Genesis 43:8-9 (NIV)
Judah stepped in with leadership, but this time it was for the right cause. It wasn't about his pride or honor that was at stake, but he did it for the sake of his father and his family. When they came before Joseph, Judah was once again the one who stood up and stepped in Benjamin's place, taking responsibility for his brother as he vowed to do:
Then Judah approached him, and said, “O my lord, please let your servant say a word to you in private, and do not let your anger blaze against your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh [so I speak as if directly to him].
Genesis 44:18 (AMP)
Judah respected the authority above him and therefore when he approached Joseph, he did it knowing his place and position.
Now, therefore, please let your servant (Judah) remain here instead of the youth [to be] a slave to my lord, and let the young man go home with his brothers. How can I go up to my father if the young man is not with me—for fear that I would see the tragedy that would overtake my [elderly] father [if Benjamin does not return]?”
Genesis 44:33-34 (AMP)
It was the humility of Judah and the sacrifice that he was willing to make that brought Joseph to tears and made him confess his true identity to his brothers.
Why does this sound so familiar? Isn't this the same way Jesus stood up for us as our brother, stepping into our lives, and taking the blame upon Himself?
He chose to sacrifice His life, for us to have freedom.
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.”
Revelation 5:5 (NIV)
It's amazing to know that God knew about this story all along and that he decided that out of Judah's lineage (Matthew 1), The Lion of Judah would come to fulfill the words spoken over Judah by his father, Jacob:
“Judah, you are the one whom your brothers shall praise;
Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies;
Your father’s sons shall bow down to you.
Judah, a lion’s cub;
With the prey, my son, you have gone high up [the mountain].
He stooped down, he crouched like a lion,
And like a lion—who dares rouse him?
The scepter [of royalty] shall not depart from Judah,
Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
Until Shiloh [the Messiah, the Peaceful One] comes,
And to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples.
Tying his foal to the [strong] vine
And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine,
He washes his clothing in wine [because the grapevine produces abundantly],
And his robes in the blood of grapes."
Genesis 49:8-11 (AMP)
Judah was blessed with leadership but he still had a choice to use it for his benefit or the glory of the Father. May we be encouraged today to use our gifts and talents for God's glory.
Father, today we want to confess and declare that You are King and You are in control. Thank you that You have a definite plan for our lives. Jesus, the victory belongs to You! Thank You that You are The Lion of Judah and that you stepped into our lives and took the blame upon Yourself. You nailed it to the cross so that we can have life in and through You. Father, when You look at us, You see Your son Jesus standing in front of us. You see us through His sacrifice, humility, and reckless love. May we also see those around us through Your eyes.
Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.
Fear is not my future - Brandon Lake (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78bOsGTlfuA&list=RDMM78bOsGTlfuA&start_radio=1)
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