Joseph Tests His Brothers

1When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other?” 2He continued, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”... [Joseph told them:]

20But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do.

21They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.”

22Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.” 23They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter.

24He turned away from them and began to weep, but then came back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.

25Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to put each man’s silver back in his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them, 26they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left...

35As they were emptying their sacks, there in each man’s sack was his pouch of silver! When they and their father saw the money pouches, they were frightened. 36Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!”

37Then Reuben said to his father, “You may put both of my sons to death if I do not bring him back to you. Entrust him to my care, and I will bring him back.”

38But Jacob said, “My son will not go down there with you; his brother is dead and he is the only one left. If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow.” (Genesis 42 selected verses)

Thoughts: Here Joseph began to realize God's purpose for his troubles.  It was not just for his own power or gain- but to save the promised line.  He was testing them in three different ways:
1) He was testing them about their veracity- Were they more honest than when they lied to their father about him? 
2) He was testing them about their greed- he put silver in their sack as a gift but also to test their honesty.  They sold him into Egypt- now he was giving them more money to see what they would do with it. 
3) He was testing them about their brotherly love.  They had betrayed their love for him as their brother when they threatened to kill him and sold him.  Would they leave Simeon to rot in prison? 
Joseph was trying to see if they had changed, and perhaps he was also trying to change them.  Sometimes we are given the chance to prove we are changed people.  When that chance comes, we should not run away from it even if it makes us feel guilty.  We should embrace our change for it honors God when we change for good to honor Him.  

Prayer: Lord, when I am tested, let me come forth as gold!  Help me to face my tests with bravery and grace.