Joel M Bradshaw

8And Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. 9I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. 10If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.”–Genesis 43

Last chapter, Reuben offered his two sons to Jacob to kill if he didn’t bring Benjamin back. Jacob said no. In today’s text, Judah spoke up and put the burden on himself. He put the burden on himself and held himself responsible to bring Benjamin home. His words worked for Jacob and the story moved forward.

Judah obviously had influence in the family. His word carried power. Again, this is a great first step for the once villain who had been humbled by his former choices. The path forward for the former villain is humility, repentance, and intentionality. That intentionality is expressed in service of others rather than worship of self. You could argue that Judah simply wanted to eat and made it possible, but it was his word that carried the day. It was his promise of responsibility that mattered.

Be intentional about your influence and using it for the glory of God and in service of others. You may not feel like much of a leader, but God has brought someone into our life that you influence in some way. Your leadership should ease burdens and not create them.–JMB