In Genesis 42 (the story of Joseph and his brothers) we learn that 10 of the11 remaining brothers came to Egypt to get grain and supplies during a time of drought. Back home, things weren't looking good, the ground was parched, cattle were dying, people were thirsty; but in Egypt (due to some divine preparation) things were running smoothly.
The 10 brothers brought what they had before Joseph to purchase the supplies that they needed to continue living back home. They got those supplies and left Egypt, but along the way they learned something. Joseph had had his servants put their payment back in their sacks (secretly of course). We've all heard this story and understand that Joseph may have been playing games with his brothers; it may have been some "pay-back" for what they'd put him through in the past. We've been taught that it was Joseph's forgiving heart that wanted to get them to bring the whole family back together. I don't doubt that these ideas are true, but I think there is more to it!
Have you ever gone to God and tried to earn a blessing from Him? Have you ever prayed, "God, get me out of this and I'll never _______ again!"? Have you ever heard, "God wants to bless you, all you have to do is 'sow your seed' in order to receive His blessing"? I think that this story of Joseph and his brothers is on so many levels, a picture of God's redemptive plan for our salvation! God's blessings for you in this world are a free gift, starting with salvation through the Blood. There is nothing NOTHING that we can give to God to purchase grace, mercy, forgiveness, redemption, etc...., so why do we try? Our brains are so ingrained in the LAW that we struggle to grasp the LAW OF GRACE!! We've been indoctrinated into a culture of tit for tat, quid pro quo; but we worship a God of all for naught!! Don't read too much into that....the nothing isn't Jesus' sacrifice; the ALL is...the nothing is what we have to bring/give in order to receive it.
Joseph didn't put the payment back in the sacks to play tricks on his brothers, he put it in there so that God's grace and forgiveness could be revealed. God's plan for our lives is that we may live MORE ABUNDANTLY. The blessings that He has for us are free for the taking. All we have to do is open our arms, lift our eyes to the heavens, and ask!! The payment (or overpayment-and even that doesn't do it justice) has already been made. The redemptive blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross opened the storehouses of Heaven for ALL who believe to receive. God doesn't want you to try and purchase your grain any more. He doesn't want you to try and buy blessings, that's an insult to His sacrifice! Jesus is the Bread (grain) of life, TAKE; EAT! No charge today!!
Like God, Joseph didn't want his brothers to pay for his love, blessings, or LIFE.....he just wanted them to ask!!!! What are you trying to purchase from God today? Maybe it's time to just ask!
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