But tests do serve their purpose, and at times, they are useful. This is because tests [...]]]> I doubt many of us like tests. They make us nervous. Our palms get sweaty. We check our alarm clocks over and over again to ensure we will wake up on time. A test can really ruin your day.

But tests do serve their purpose, and at times, they are useful. This is because tests are designed to measure something: a skill, knowledge, etc. A good test will provide an accurate measurement, and thus allow the test-giver to make evaluations.

Genesis 42—44 is dominated by three tests. We saw the first test last week in Genesis 42 when Joseph accused his brothers of being spies sent from Canaan to Egypt. This week, Joseph gives his brothers two more tests, a test of jealousy (ch. 43) and a test of loyalty (ch. 44). I doubt the brothers enjoyed their tests either, but when completed, the stage will be set for the dramatic and emotional reunion we’ve longed for.

The Test of Jealousy (Genesis 43)

As Genesis 43 begins, Jacob’s family has run out of food. So, Jacob instructs his sons to get some more from Egypt. However, the sons reply they cannot go back unless Benjamin, Jacob’s youngest and new favorite son, comes with them. (Apparently, they weren’t too concerned about Simeon being held in prison in Egypt as a guarantee of their return; see Genesis 42:19, 24). Jacob reluctantly allows Benjamin to travel with his brothers, and they all return to Egypt. Once there, Joseph arranges for them all to have a noon meal. The brothers are understandably nervous. The last time they arrived in Egypt they were accused as spies, and now they’re being invited into Joseph’s home. Perhaps that is the perfect place for Joseph to ambush them (Genesis 43:18)? Once again, their consciences are getting the better of them.

The test comes at the meal. Joseph has his brothers seated during the meal, in birth order from the oldest to the youngest. Now, if there were only three brothers, then this seemingly “coincidence” might be believable. But eleven brothers…? The brothers are “amazed” (Genesis 43:33) at this. Furthermore, Benjamin is given five times more food than his brothers! He’s not starving, and he’ll never be able to eat that much. Joseph, in his subtle way, has orchestrated a test for his brothers to measure their current level of jealousy.

Remember back in Genesis 37. There, Joseph was the clear favorite of their father Jacob, and the brothers hated him for this (Genesis 37:4, 8, 11). Would the brothers now be jealous of Benjamin’s special treatment, not only by their father but also by this Egyptian ruler? The answer is subtle, but it is “no.” The brothers seem to be okay with this special treatment, and they all go about the meal (Genesis 43:34).

The Test of Loyalty (Genesis 44)

The more important test comes in Genesis 44. Joseph instructs, once again, for the brothers to receive their food and their money back. But this time, he also hides his silver cup in Benjamin’s bag (Genesis 44:2). After the brothers leave, Joseph instructs his steward to track them down. Even though the brothers deny the charge of left (so much so to say the perpetrator could be killed), it is found in Benjamin’s bag (Genesis 44:12). The brothers return back to Joseph without saying a word.

Before Joseph, Judah first pleads for all the brothers to stay as servants. Joseph disagrees, saying that only Benjamin will need to stay; the others can leave in peace (Genesis 44:17). Judah speaks again, and in the longest speech in the entire book of Genesis (Genesis 44:18–34), recounts the entire story of Joseph’s dealings with his brothers and with the brothers’ dealings with Jacob. And finally, in vv. 33–34, Judah makes a statement that is truly miraculous. Judah offers to take the place of his brother Benjamin.

Joseph has undergone a miraculous transformation in the twenty-plus years he’s been away: from lowly Hebrew slave to second-in-command of Egypt. But Judah’s transformation is perhaps more striking. Judah has gone from the ring leader, formulating the plan to sell Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:26–27), to the leader of his brothers who has just offered to sacrifice himself on behalf of his father’s favorite son. Whereas Judah once cared none for his father’s favorite son or even his father Jacob, now Judah proves his loyalty through an act of of unprecedented service.

We’ll have to wait until next week to see it, but this proof of loyalty and change drives Joseph to the breaking point… and gives us the reunion we’ve wanted for so long.

Testing Ourselves

Jealousy is a single-minded emotion that either produces envy of selflessness. It can be negative and produce envy, anger, and even murder (see Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 or Joseph’s brothers in Genesis 37). Paul calls jealousy a “work of the flesh” in Galatians 5:20. Yet it can be positive, for God is a jealous God (Deuteronomy 4:24) and the apostle Paul was jealous for his converts to stay on the proper course of following Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). In a positive light, jealousy for another produces selflessness in the individual as they seek to promote the best for another.

Loyalty is consistent and unwavering commitment. “Loyalty” is similar to the more biblically-familiar words like “lovingkindness” and “faithfulness.” God himself is the definition of loyal (see Deuteronomy 7:9 and Hebrews 10:23). Thus, we are called to remain faithful (to God, to others, etc.), not as a way to earn something but because of God’s faithfulness. The opposite of jealousy and the works of the flesh is the fruit of the Spirit, one of which is faithfulness (Galatians 5:22). It is through yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit working in our lives that we can reject an attitude of jealousy and bring forth faithfulness.

Discussion Questions

• Is God using people in my life to expose inner jealousy?
• Is God using people in my life to challenge me to be faithful?
• How can you avoid jealousy? What can you put in place to help you stay away from comparisons, anger, and acting upon this difficult—yet sinful—emotion?
• How can you promote faithfulness? To whom should you be faithful?

Any ideas?

If you were to find a list of the “biggest movie disappointments or flops” all of these movies would probably be on the list. Crystal Skull just [...]]]> What do these movies have in common?

• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
• The Matrix Sequels (Reloaded and Revolutions)
• Star Wars: Episode I

Any ideas?

If you were to find a list of the “biggest movie disappointments or flops” all of these movies would probably be on the list. Crystal Skull just seemed a bit to “out there” for most Jones fans; Matrix sequels seemed to only end without resolutions; and well, Episode I? Three words: Jar Jar Binks. (And this is coming from a big Star Wars fan!)

As amusing as “disappointing” movies may be, the disappointments of life are no laughing matter.  Even more difficult is when we find ourselves disappointed with God, when we feel like he let us down, or when we feel like he has forgotten about us. Out of high school, I felt God wanted me to attend the United States Naval Academy, and I was well on my way to securing an appointment when I was disqualified as a candidate because of a “history of asthma.” Talk about a door closing… more like slamming! I was confused; I felt like the decision to attend was prayerfully considered and that God was leading me in that direction. Yet, it didn’t work.

If there was ever a man who had a right to feel disappointed with God, it was Joseph. Sharing his divine destiny (Genesis 37) led to being sold into slavery by his brothers. Refusing to compromise his moral standards led to false accusations and imprisonment (Genesis 39). Now, we find Joseph in prison, and the bad news won’t stop here. He is about to be forgotten, even by those he helped when they needed it most.

Understand the story: Joseph faces trials in prison
Here’s a brief outline of our present story (Genesis 39:21—40:23).

I. Prologue: Joseph experienced the presence and blessing of the Lord, even in prison (39:21–23).
II. Introduction: Two of Pharaoh’s officials find themselves in prison where Joseph is promoted to care for them (40:1–4).
III. Two Dreams, No Interpreter: The cupbearer and the baker have different dreams on the same night, and become upset because they have no one to interpret the dreams… until Joseph comes along.
IV. Dreams Revealed and Interpreted: Joseph interprets the two dreams to have significantly opposite meanings; good for the cupbearer, bad for the baker (40:9–19).
V. Climax and Fulfillment: Joseph’s predictions come true exactly as promised (40:20–22).
VI. Epilogue: Joseph is forgotten and left alone (40:23).

Apply the Lessons: How do I deal with disappointment?
Joseph has done all the correct things, but he still finds himself with little hope in prison. Surely, he felt disappointed by God. When we feel disappointed by God, how do we respond?

First, we must remember the character of the Lord. Joseph might’ve been in prison, but his God is a God of steadfast love and favor. In fact, because of the Lord’s work in Joseph’s life, Joseph was rapidly promoted (yet again) to be in charge of the prisoners. God is on our side. He did not forget about Joseph, and he does not forget about us. Exodus 20:6 reminds us that God demonstrates his love to us over and over again. The character of the Lord is unchanging. Although he might feel distant, he is ever-present.

Second, we must speak to God with consistency. We should pursue a deep relationship with the Lord for that provides us help in times of need. In the ancient world, interpreting dreams was a big deal, for the ancients believed their gods communicated to them through dreams. (Yahweh himself did this at times; see Joseph’s dreams in Genesis 37.) Interpreting dreams was a complex science, and those who did it were trained in the art. Joseph had none of this training, but was able to accurately interpret the dreams quickly and without even the need to pray for wisdom. Joseph didn’t pray for wisdom because he didn’t want wisdom; it’s exactly the opposite! I believe Joseph had such a close relationship with the Lord that when the time came, Joseph was prepared to speak for God. Joseph’s heart was aligned with God’s. For us, our heart becomes aligned with God as we nurture our relationship with him through prayer, studying the Scriptures, and even fellowship with other believers.

Third, we can rest assured through connection. Many (if not all) of God’s children have dealt with moments of disappointment. Joseph was already in a line of saints who faced disappointment, and since then, the Scriptures record many who have come before us. Abram felt disappointment at not having children to fulfill God’s promise (Genesis 15:2), Job felt disappointed that God did not rescue his righteous follower (Job 19:7), the Psalms are filled with honest expressions of disappointment (Psalm 13:1), and Paul suffered disappointment for a while (2 Corinthians 1:8–10). However, as we run our race, we are surrounded by saints who have finished theirs, and they “cheer” for us as we struggle in a world that many times disappoints (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Joseph is left alone in prison, forgotten by the cupbearer (Genesis 40:23) However, our Lord is faithful, we can draw near to him, and we have others whose examples of faithfulness provide strength. God is here, and he is with us.