The famine continues, and Jacob finally agrees to let Benjamin go with his brothers to Egypt. Famine in Canaan has worsened, and Jacob’s family has run out of food. Though he’s still grieving the loss of Joseph and fearful of losing Benjamin, Jacob realizes he must send his sons back to Egypt. But there’s a condition: the Egyptian ruler (Joseph, though they don’t know it yet) warned them they wouldn’t be received unless they brought their youngest brother, Benjamin. Judah steps forward with a bold promise, he offers himself as a guarantee for Benjamin’s safety. This is a turning point for Judah, showing growth and responsibility after his earlier role in selling Joseph. Jacob, with a heavy heart, agrees. He sends them with gifts, double the money, and a prayer: that God Almighty (El Shaddai) would grant them mercy. Sacrifice and responsibility. Faith under pressure (Jacob’s reluctant surrender Jacob entrusts his sons to God’s mercy, not knowing that this journey will lead to reunion and restoration.) Providence and preparation (God quietly working behind the scenes) It’s a moment of surrender. Jacob entrusts his sons to God’s mercy, not knowing that this journey will lead to reunion and restoration.

It reads in Genesis 43:1-14 Easy: The famine was still bad in Canaan.  Jacob’s family ate all the food that they had brought from Egypt. So Jacob said to his sons, ‘Go back to Egypt, and buy some more food for us.’But Judah said, ‘The man told us many times, “Unless your brother is with you, I will not let you see me again.” So you must send Benjamin with us. Then we will go and buy food for you. But if you do not send Benjamin, we will not go. The man clearly said to us, “Unless your brother is with you, you will not see me again.” ’ Jacob said to them, ‘You have brought great trouble to me! You should not have told the man that you had another brother.’ The brothers replied, ‘The man asked us many questions about our family. He asked us, “Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?” We only answered his questions. We did not know that he would say, “Bring your brother here.” ’ Then Judah said to his father Jacob, ‘Agree to send the boy with me. We will go to Egypt immediately. Then all our family can continue to live. We will not die. I promise you to keep Benjamin safe. I myself will take care of him and I will bring him back to you. If I do not bring him back home, then you should say that I am guilty. I will be guilty for all of my life. We must go now! We have already talked for too long. By now, we could have gone to Egypt and returned twice!’Then their father Jacob said to them, ‘If you must take Benjamin, do what I tell you. Put some of the best things from our land in your bags. Take them to the man as a gift. Take some oil, some honey and some spices. Also take some myrrh, and some nuts. Also take twice the amount of money with you. You must give back the money that they put back into your bags last time. It may have been a mistake. ake your brother Benjamin too. Go back to the man now. I pray that God Almighty will help you. I pray that God will cause the man to be kind to you. Then he will let your older brother go free. He and Benjamin will return here with you. As for me, if I must lose my sons, then I will lose them. There is nothing that I can do to stop it.’

Father God, when famine strikes and fear rises, teach us to trust You beyond what we see. We hold stuff tight, but You call us to let go. I know that when we give, we get back more to share as my mom used to say. When obedience feels costly, remind us You go before us, preparing for peace in unfamiliar places. Thank God! Give us Judah’s courage to stand in the gap and offer our lives in love. I thank You that You gift us more than enough to be care full in all we say and do. When we release what we treasure, let it be into Your faithful hands. You are El Shaddai, more than enough. Let mercy lead, let peace welcome, let grace unfold. Thank You for those who pray and are faith keepers in action. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen and Amen.