hate to say it, but so far in the scripture,
Judah had shown himself not as a lion, but as a weasel. In Genesis 43, however, Judah steps up to the plate and shows what he can do. Prior to Genesis 43, Judah was envious of Joseph and plotted his demise by selling Joseph into the hands of the Ishmaelites. Judah had three sons. The scripture says that two of them were so wicked in the eyes of the Lord that they ended up dead. Judah told lies. After his oldest sons’ died, Judah told Tamar, his daughter-in-law, to “remain a widow in his house till his youngest son Shelah was grown.” Genesis 38:11 But when Tamar saw that Judah lied, and had no intention to make her Shelah’s wife, she tricked Judah into sleeping with her so that she could have children from Israel’s family line. “And it came to pass, after about 3 months, that Judah was told, Tamar was with child by harlotry.” Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!” Every time I hear his response, I burn and think “What a double-standard bastard!” When Tamar was brought out she said, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are - the signet and cord, and staff.” Judah saw that they were his and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah, my son.” And he never knew her again.” Genesis 38:24-26 Come On - you have to admit - Judah behaved more like a weasel than a lion! It’s hard to believe that from this man, the Lion of Judah roars! But here, in Genesis 43, Judah finally steps up and becomes a man of God. Judah gets tired of Israel making excuses and dragging his feet. Judah stood face to face with Israel and said, “The man (Joseph) solemnly warned us. He said, “You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ “If you send our brother (Benjamin) with us, we will go down and buy you food. But if you will not send him, we will not go; for the man said to us, “You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ ” Judah was done! He gave his dad an ultimatum. He said, “give us Benjamin or we will not go.” Israel got angry and asked all his sons, “Why did you deal so wrongfully with me as to tell the man whether you had still another brother?” Then all of the brothers chirped in and said, “The man (Joseph) asked us pointedly about ourselves and our family, saying, “Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ And we told him according to these words. Could we possibly have known that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” Then Judah said to his father, “Send the lad (Benjamin) with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you, and also our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.” Genesis 43:8-10 Judah was ready to get the job done, but his father, Israel, had been restraining his sons. Judah was willing to step in and carry the weight of the full burden - forevermore! Israel finally said, “If it must be so, then go” But take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man (who we all know to be Joseph) Take double money in your hand, and return the money that was in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight. Take your brother (Benjamin) also, and arise, go back to the man (Joseph who was second in command of all of Egypt).” And then Israel adds, “And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man (Joseph) that he may release your other brother (Simeon) and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!” Israel was willing to endure the sorrow, as long as Judah was able to roar! The scripture tells us the sons of Israel went down to Egypt, with Benjamin, presents and double money in hand - and they stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw them he told them to go into his home and make themselves ready to dine with him at noon. The story goes on, but for now I just want to acknowledge Judah, and his transformation to a Lion of God. Judah learned that time was being wasted - “For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.” Genesis 43:10 I can only imagine that the Lion of Judah is chomping at the bit, eagerly waiting for our Father to release Him. “He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.” II Thessalonians 2:7 Jesus said, “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!” Luke 12:49-50 The Lion of Judah is coming soon, and when He comes He will he bringing the sons of God with Him.
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