Genesis-136 – It Is What God Has Given

Genesis 43:15 – 24

 

“So the men took the present, and they took double the money in their hand, and Benjamin; and they went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, ‘Take these men to the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for these men shall dine with me at noon.’ So the steward did as Joseph ordered, and brought the men into Joseph’s house. Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house, and they said, ‘It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to make us slaves and take our donkeys.’ So they went near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and spoke with him at the door of the house, and said, ‘Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food; and it happened, when we came to the lodging place, that we opened our sacks, and there, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it back in our hand. And we have brought down other money in our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.’ But he said, ‘Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.’ Then he brought Simeon out to them, and the steward brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave fodder to their donkeys.” Amen.

 

The Significance of Joseph's Story: The Journey of Personal Salvation

The story of Joseph and his brothers—if it had not covered the whole narrative, but had ended quickly with Joseph simply saying, "Brothers, I came ahead and prepared this good position, so now bring Father and everyone! I forgive everything"—Genesis would have ended about seven chapters earlier, and our lecture would also have concluded quickly. However, the Bible intentionally relays this story to us across multiple chapters.

 

The reason, as I have mentioned before, is that our faith is neither mechanical nor simply a method of believing in Jesus and immediately going to heaven. Our faith is deeply personal within our relationship with God, and God handles us not mechanically but personally. Because of this, many twists and turns occur from the beginning to the end of our journey. Specifically through the story of Joseph and his brothers, God reveals to us the mysterious and wonderful history of salvation—that is, the life a person lives after coming to believe in Jesus. Furthermore, by using Joseph, the type of Jesus Christ, to explain what our future salvation will be like, these passages hold truly critical importance.

 

The Test of Death and Life: The Price of One Man’s Blood

Joseph tests his brothers. The first test was to send only one back to Canaan to bring the youngest, Benjamin. This test was a test of death. For, during the round trip, some of those imprisoned might die, and the entire family might die of starvation.

 

This is not mere conjecture. As Joseph himself later mentions, when the brothers facing the death test were confined for three days, Joseph swore, "As Pharaoh lives, I swear." But after three days, Joseph came and spoke completely different words. He said, "I, who fear God, will now speak to you," and he instructed that only one man should remain there, and the rest should return to Canaan. He commanded them to carry the grain and save all their families in Canaan. Thus, it became a test of life.

 

These two tests are quite contrasting: one is death, the other is life. They stand in opposition, much like the Law of the Old Testament contrasts with the Gospel of the New Testament. But what was necessary for death to become life? It is revealed that one person was required in this event. Reuben expressed this as the "price of blood," saying, "It seems we must pay the price of blood." Those who believe in Jesus or know the Bible will already realize this relates to Jesus Christ, for it signifies that we can live by paying the price of blood.

 

Joseph, too, begins to learn this truth through the process: that one person must experience death so that the whole family of Israel can be saved. 'Ah, one person saves the entire family of Israel. In that case, I came here before them and am living here as that one person. For what purpose did God send me ahead?' This realization becomes the background for Joseph's later confession in Genesis 47, where he says, "Don’t worry, brothers. God sent me ahead." This confession, which takes place almost two years later, shows that Joseph was beginning to understand God's guidance step by step. Specifically, through this event, God is showing us how He saves Israel and how the history of salvation is accomplished.

 

The Beginning of Forgiveness and the Way of Life

Simeon is left behind as the one man, and the rest of the brothers depart without him. However, before leaving, after hearing all of Joseph's instructions, they suddenly bring up the story of Joseph. They recall how much pain Joseph, that one person, must have endured, and how they ignored his pleas for mercy. As they face the necessity of leaving one person behind, the discussion of 'one person' finally begins. This is also why Reuben mentioned the price of blood. Hearing the brothers' talk, Joseph weeps. The brothers have begun to repent, and Joseph has begun to forgive.

 

On their journey home, Joseph gives instructions to return the money they had paid for the grain to each of their sacks. He also ensures they have provisions and sustenance for the journey for the nine men who must return. Did Joseph really need to be so attentive? If Joseph had acted according to his own emotions, he would have pushed the first test to the very end and resolved everything. However, the fact that Joseph did not do so shows that he had begun the process of forgiveness and possessed goodwill and benevolence. With a good heart, he put the money and provisions back into their sacks.

 

Consequently, the brothers walk the way of life, not the way of death—a path to survival. The brothers are walking the way of life. It is not the path of death, because Joseph initiated the way of forgiveness. Though there will be another test in the future, the path they walk is still the way of life.

 

Why Worry About Death on the Path of Life

They started on the path of life and, not long after, arrived at a lodging place. When they opened their grain sacks to feed their donkeys, they discovered the money inside. "What a windfall! Thank you!" would be the common reaction. However, the Bible records that all the brothers' "hearts failed them, and they were terrified." They were extremely afraid.

 

Why were they trembling? They thought, "Now he will come looking for us on the pretext of this money, start a dispute, seize us again, make us slaves, and take our donkeys." The brothers were shaking with fear. Joseph gave this as an act of goodwill and kindness, but the brothers could not accept it in that light. They are clearly walking the way of life, yet they are thinking about death. This is truly ironic.

 

We look at this scene and reflect on ourselves. You and I also believe in Jesus, confess the cross of Christ, and constantly contemplate the grace God has given us. But why don't we lead a life of faith overflowing with peace and joy afterwards? Why do we still show the same wavering spirit as before? We often treat God as if He were the only one when things go well, but as soon as things get a little difficult, we search for Him, asking, "Where on earth is God?" Our path is also the way of life. Yet we, perhaps even more severely than these brothers, fail to enjoy joy and peace, and we struggle whenever a problem arises.

 

Because We Forget the Path We Are On

Why is this? The first reason is quite obvious: The brothers did not know or forgot the path they were walking. Joseph had clearly said, "Your lives will be preserved; you will live," but they either did not believe, forgot, or did not know the true meaning of these words. If the brothers had known the whole situation, upon finding the money in the sack, they would have thought, "He gave us money to help with our travel expenses. How can this governor be so handsome and have such a good heart!" But because they did not think this way, the discovery became an object of terrifying fear for them. "What if they use this money as an excuse to make us slaves?" They did not know that they were on the way of life.

 

Brothers and sisters, why is it that in your life of faith, you are so much more steeped in worry and anxiety than you are in joy? It is because we, too, forget the path we are walking. The brothers could be excused because it was a path they walked for the first time. But you and I cannot be excused. You and I know where this path leads. You know very well what kind of path it is to become a child of God by believing in Jesus, because the Bible tells you.

 

You know how the brothers' story ends, don't you? Because you have read Genesis, you all know there is a happy ending. But why do you worry and fret, even though God has clearly spoken about how your life will end and you know that He will keep that promise, just as He kept the promise to them? Why do you fret, even though you are on the way of life, a path that nothing can shake? This makes no sense at all.

 

This is not someone else's story; it is our own. We know very well that in Jesus, our life is headed toward the most beautiful life, a life of victory. We know we are on the way of life. But you have been delivered from death. You are a child of the One who conquered death. If you are walking and stumble, scraping your knee slightly, you wouldn't cry as if you were going to die, would you? This is truly an abnormal thing.

 

When I was young, a cousin came to stay at our house, and one day her appendix burst. She clutched her stomach, screaming that she was going to die and writhing on the floor. Everyone was startled and didn't know what to do, but eventually, with the help of a neighbor, we carried her to the main road, took a taxi, and rushed her to the hospital. Fortunately, the surgery went well, and a few days later, my mother and I visited her. When I walked into the hospital room with canned peaches, my cousin, who was about twenty years old, was already sitting up, hooked up to an IV, laughing and chatting with her friends. My mother said, "Your surgery went well. You lived, you lived! You were really close to dying." Immediately, my cousin worried, "Aunt, can I wear a swimsuit?" She was worried about that after barely surviving death.

 

How are you living your life of faith? God led them onto the way of life, but when money appeared in their sack, the brothers exclaimed, "God, why has this happened!" You are the same. Walking this way of life that God has given you and me, the question we ask is akin to, "Can I wear that swimsuit?" You have died and come back to life! So, what are you worrying about? What causes you anxiety? How can that lead you to despair, or cause you to fall and not be able to get up again? A dead person has come back to life! Are swimsuits and clothing the problem now? You must remember the fact that you have died and come back to life. Whatever lies before you, no matter how great it may seem, it makes no sense that it could shake you—a person who has eternal life, having been delivered from death.

 

Because We Doubt What God Has Given

The second reason we lose joy is because we doubt what God has given us. The brothers asked, "God, why is this happening to me?" This was the first time they had called upon God, an enormous development in that they acknowledged that their lives were not solely in their own hands, but that God was intervening. The problem, however, was this: Even though they acknowledged God, they thought that if it didn't suit their desires, God must be wrong.

 

Friends, we say that God did it, and that God guides us. But why do we worry and lack joy? Even though we know that if God guides us, it is the best path, why does true joy constantly fade away? It is because even as you say God did it, you lack conviction about what God has truly given you.

 

In Genesis 43:23, Joseph's steward (who is a Gentile) says, "Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money." The steward declares, "Your God gave it to you." Since God gave it to His people, it is good. You may not understand it, and you may feel it is difficult to bear. However, if God gave it, even if it is sorrow, pain, or tears, it is actually good.

 

What we should truly be ashamed of is when we are worrying, and the people of the world instead ask, "Didn't you pray? Don't you believe in God? Why worry?" We are unable to answer the question, "Didn't God give it?"

 

The brothers admitted that God gave it. But it didn't please them. Because it didn't please them, they said, even if God gave it, "This is wrong." What we want and wish to receive is not what is good. What God has done is good. The standard for what is good is not our conscience, nor any standard we hold. The moment the standard for all things ceases to be God, we begin to try to sit on God's throne. The brothers thought that if something was disadvantageous to them or didn't align with their thinking, even if God gave it, it was wrong.

 

If we truly acknowledge and confess that God is walking with us, guiding us, and is clearly present in this matter, it is proper for us to confess that everything God has done for us, even what God has given us, is indeed good and given for our best. This is a logically self-evident conclusion. Even if our hearts sometimes fail to follow or understand it, it is a clear truth. The way we look at everything that happens to us must change. The most important reason we cannot rejoice is because it does not please us. But if you truly confess that God gives you the best, why should your joy subside and why should our joy cease? If the best thing is happening to me, how can I not rejoice?

 

Because We Focus on 'The Price of Grain' and Miss Grace

The third important reason we cannot rejoice is where the brothers focus their gaze and heart. If you continue to examine the text, the phrases "the money we paid," "the money we gave," and "the price of the grain we paid" appear repeatedly. The most important thing in these men's hearts is the thought, "I paid for it." They think they survived because they paid the price with this money.

 

But let's think about this: Did his family truly survive because they paid Joseph the price of the grain and ate it? No. The reality is that they survived because Joseph began to forgive. No one would have survived without forgiveness. This incident is an incident of Joseph's grace. No one would have survived without grace. Nevertheless, they keep talking about the price of grain, as if they survived because of it.

 

Friends, if, during your life of faith, you think, "Ah, because I offered this much price of grain to God, this blessing came to me, or I am surviving this much, or this is how I am living my life of faith," please think deeply again. The reason you and I are alive and not dead is not the price of grain we paid, is it? It is not my obedience, not the passionate praise I sang, not my prayer, not my biblical knowledge, service, or sacrifice. It is God's grace. It is the grace of God who loved us, even to the point of giving His Son, giving us everything.

 

That is why you are alive. Friends, if you miss this, a believer truly loses joy. This is because they do not acknowledge the fact that they are alive and live as those who are alive; they constantly try to earn their life. Even when they praise, it is not because they are alive and have received God's grace, but because they are trying to live by praising. Because they try to live by serving, doing missions—that is, by the price of grain they paid—their life of faith becomes incredibly exhausting. They may end up spending every day and every week only looking for what is wrong with their faith life, or where the problem is. This is because they live as if they were trying hard to live again, even though they were already dead.

 

The order must be precise. It is certainly important for you to serve, do missions, and work for God. But you pray because you are alive, and you praise because you are alive. Only then does true praise emerge. Isn't it because we are alive that we give thanks, because we are alive that we pray, because we are alive that we long for the Word, and find strength? Because we are alive, we can play, laugh, and move forward.

 

But because you constantly try to live as if you are filling your shortcomings with your own strength, the joy of salvation is stolen from you. Even after receiving that precious gift, even though God filled their sacks, they worried because of it. It became a source of anxiety. Even the grace and love that God poured out on us, we cannot enjoy or rejoice in it with gratitude to God. Instead, we ask, "What on earth should I do? What must I do?" trying to fill the inadequacy that we can never fill with our own power. So we try to satisfy God. What a difficult life of faith that is, and one that is not even possible! The brothers' worries could never cease.

 

As the text shows today, the brothers worry, "They are going to seize us, detain us, rush at us, capture us as slaves, and take our donkeys." But what does the steward say? "Peace be with you, do not be afraid." Why? Because God gave it. Who gave you your life? Didn't God give it? "Peace be with you, do not be afraid." Who permitted your life, you who believe in Jesus? Didn't God begin it and give it? Who brought you this far with your own strength? Why do you worry? How can anxiety crush you?

 

Focus on the One Who Gave Life

Because you are living within the way of life, what you should focus on is not the price of grain in your hand. Your posture should not be, "I will diligently serve and use this price of grain to buy something and thus live." Furthermore, your problems or situations are not actually the most important thing. I know how difficult and hard they are. However, because you are now on the way of life, the most important thing is that you focus on the One who gave you life.

 

You must focus on Him. Satan, who cannot steal your salvation—the world, which cannot shake your salvation—who will take away the children of God whom God holds in His hands? Therefore, Satan will change his methods. If he cannot steal salvation, he prevents you from enjoying the joy of salvation. He prevents you from tasting the fruit of salvation, the fruit of love and joy, in this world. So, you may diligently believe in Jesus, serve, and work for God, but you never taste joy, and you may never even once experience the glory God gives or rejoicing in God throughout your life. Why is that? Because you are so intent on accumulating your own things.

 

Satan knows this too well, so he tries to make you unaware of the gift you received from God. He makes you unaware that you possess the eternal life that God saved you with. Even though you hear and see every day what your life should be like when you possess eternal life, and that it has been given to you, he makes you unaware. Therefore, there is no joy.

 

What else does Satan do? He makes the price of grain in your hand look huge. "How great a thing can I do if I serve like this? How great a thing can I do if I do this?" You have your own temptations and desires, but so do I, as a pastor. When I was an evangelist, I said I would have a church of about a million people with double the inspiration of Pastor Cho Yong-gi. I was trying to live by the price of grain I had in my hand.

 

He prevents us from seeing the burning love of God we received, His diligence in holding onto us until the end, and the tears He sheds for us. Satan shakes us, making it seem as if God is not interested in us, saying, "You must work hard to survive." He prevents us from looking back at the Holy Spirit, who even now groans and weeps for us. He makes us look at how hard, painful, and agonizing our life is, makes us fall into it, and makes us deceived into thinking that it is a great thing, as if the problem we are experiencing is greater than God the Holy Spirit.

 

Friends, listen to the Lord's Word. God has given it to you—the eternal life, the love of God, the unceasing diligence of God that nothing can cut off—in your life. Receive it with gratitude. Receive it with joy. Your heart should pound because of what you possess. You must remember again how glorious what you hold is.

 

He gave that love, that life. He shed tears and sighed because of you. He poured out blood and water because of you. He gave everything. Literally, He gave Himself completely. Like the poet Song Myeong-hee, we confess:

 

"How much must God's heart ache, when He makes His Son a sacrifice for mankind? How much must the Lord's heart ache, when He hangs upon the cross for people?"

 

"How much must God's heart ache, when He gave His only Son, yet humans complain that it is not enough? How much must the Lord's spirit ache, when He gave Himself, yet people deny and curse that God?"

 

God has given you eternal life, given Himself, and given love. How much must God's heart ache? How much must He ache when you live a life denying it, when you live a life without enjoying it, when you fail to enjoy even one bit of the universe's love that God has given?

 

However, there is also a poem written like a comment in response to this poem:

 

"How joyful must God's heart be, when a weak and broken spirit holds onto the cross. How joyful must God's heart be, when one seeks the embrace of God, saying they are tired and weary. How full must God's heart be, when one runs to His embrace, saying, 'I have nothing, but I am Yours.' How joyful must God's heart be, when He whispers, 'I love you,' and we whisper back, 'I love You too.' How joyful must God's heart be."

 

Let us pray.

 

How joyful, how very joyful must the Lord's heart be. Lord, I have no price of grain. I have nothing to bring to You. I come empty-handed, so Lord, please enable me to hold onto the cross. How joyful must my Father's heart be. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.