Genesis 44

POP QUIZ!!! Does anyone in their right mind ever really like hearing those words? No prep time, no chance to prepare, you just have to go for it right then and there. In this chapter we see a bit of a “spiritual pop quiz” for the sons of Israel, courtesy of Joseph. They can’t prepare, they can’t ask for a restart, or a postponement; their loyalty and love for Benjamin and Jacob is put to the test.

A silver cup… a simple silver cup, placed inside of Benjamin’s sack would help Joseph determine if his brother’s had changed, or if they were still the same dudes that threw him in a pit. I am happy to report that Judah and the boys pass with flying colors! They love their father, and Judah is willing to leave everything, including his OWN FAMILY to save Benjamin. What a change had taken place in their lives; no longer wanting to KILL the favorite, now they were willing to lay their lives down for him!

The Lord is in the business of changing people’s lives. He loves to transform people! As He does this transformation, he often sends us “tests” like this. In His own unique way in each of our lives, he drops the silver cup in our bag… He runs us through tests that will reveal our true character. Not so he can know what is going on in our hearts, but so we can know.

If the Lord “popped” a test like this on you today, would you pass? Where does your love and loyalty lie? Is it yourself you are looking out for, or those the Lord has called you to love? Every day the Lord gives us opportunities to demonstrate the change that is taking place in our lives by His hand. Is the transformation apparent to the others around you? Are you passing the test?