Ransom

 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.
Genesis 44:33 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/gen.44.33.ESV

I always find Joseph's dealings with his brothers as rather convoluted. Yet I cannot fail to admit that he succeeded in reconciling and reuniting his family. He's like a picture of how God deals with His people.

Like Joseph, God tests (not tempts) us, to prove us genuine. Judah stands out as a shining example of the success of Joseph's testing. He himself is a picture of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Judah was prepared to be a substitute, or a ransom for his little brother Benjamin. Reuben had offered up his own sons in his brother's place. Judah went one step further and offered himself in his brother's place.

Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, defeated death for us. He is our ransom and substitute. Judah is a pale shadow of the glories of our Saviour and Lord.

'Heavenly Father, we're grateful for Your Son who gave His life for us. May we commit our lives to the Lion of the tribe of Judah who defeated death on our behalf. In His name, amen'

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