day no. 14,260: the lion from the tribe of Judah

Genesis 44:33

Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers.

At this point, as far as Judah knows, Benjamin actually stole the cup. And yet, he offers to take his place and substitute himself in order to set Benjamin free. Years later, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, would offer to take the place of those He knew for a fact were guilty so that they could go free.

day no. 14,259: spring in Judah

Genesis 43:9

I will be a pledge of his safety. 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.

Judah's heart is being transformed by the Holy Spirit to substitute himself for his brother. He is pledging his loyalty to protecting Benjamin and that Benjamin's fate would now be tied to his. If Benjamin perishes, so will Judah. But this is only the beginning of Judah's transformation. There are more extravagant evidences of Gospel inspiration yet to come.

day no. 14,258: do you hear what i hear?

Genesis 42:23-24

They did not know that Joseph understood them, for there was an interpreter between them. 24 Then he turned away from them and wept.

How differently we would speak about others if we knew that they knew what we were saying about them.

day no. 14,257: happy birthday, Rocco!!!

Happy Birthday, Rocketsauce!!! You are such a special little dude. You are always smiling. You love making people laugh and you are comfortable being the center of attention. You are loved by everyone who knows you. You sleep and eat like a straight up boss. You climb on everything, yet haven't had any major disasters falling as of yet. I love you little man. You love being held. You hate watching your mommy leave. You like it when I make your breath go, "bah-bah-bah-bah-bah" by vibrating my hand over your mouth. You love sitting on the couch and looking at the picture albums of our family. You enjoy chasing your siblings and being chased by them. You make people think that having kids will be a delight. You are an answer to prayer and I am excited to teach you about our God! I love you Rocco, happy 2^nd birthday!

day no. 14,257 continued... ripe for rotten

I recently came across the phrase, "when you think you're ripe, you're rotting and when you think you're green, you're ripening."

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Those we think that they've arrived still have a long way to go while those who see the long road ahead have in many ways already arrived.

day no. 14,256: a better Joseph

Genesis 41:57

Moreover, all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.

Joseph was lifted up in order that the lowly might find temporary satisfaction for their stomaches. God would one day lift up another Son of Israel in order that all those who would draw near to Him would find salvation and eternal satisfaction for their souls.

day no. 14,255: soap opera grade amnesia

Genesis 40:23

Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.

The cupbearer's good fortune produced amnesia. We see here the difficulty of mourning with those who mourn when one is, in fact, rejoicing.