Men of the Scripture: Judah
His name means “The Praise of the Lord.” Judah was a leader among Jacob’s unruly sons. He was of the twelve tribes of Israel.His work: Judah was head of the tribe from which both King David and Jesus would come. His most impressive act of leadership was offering his own life in pledge for Benjamin’s freedom, in a way reversing his act of betrayal toward Joseph.
His character: He was the fourth son of his Father, Jacob and Mother, Leah. He successfully had saved the life of his brother, Joseph. And he had offered to take his youngest brother, Benjamin’s place as a slave in Egypt.
His Sorrow: His greatest sorrow in life was to have lived for many years with the knowledge that he and his brothers had sold Joseph into slavery.
His Triumph: He had received a choice blessing from his father, Jacob, promising that he would be the greatest of the tribes of Israel. He had blessed God for his provision, for bringing him to live in Goshen in the land of Egypt, where there was plenty of food for his family and safety under Joseph’s protection.
Key Scripture: Genesis 37:26-36; 44:14-16
Promises:
“From Judah will come the cornerstone.” (Zechariah 10: 4)
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means, least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler, who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.” (Matthew 2: 6)
Reflection:
Time can heal a lot of things. And God always knows the state of every heart of every being in the family. The experiences of Judah and his brothers reopen the wounded wounds of the people of today. Most of our relationships, the unhealed wounds would possibly lie beneath the surface. From now on, we come to realize that we really need God and ask him the faith in finding ways to give strength in our relationships particularly in our family. We confess to God that we, not sometimes but many times become wicked. We had committed sins against our brothers and sisters and even to our very own father and mother. Let us pray to God for the courage to admit our weaknesses, and make amends from our failures and frustrations in life. Let God be the source of our reconciliation. We pray, Lord and merciful God, heal our wounds in any broken relationships that we have made. Forgive us for the hurts we had inflicted on others through Jesus, Your Son, our Savior, AMEN. (Edgardo R. Sara | Kiblawan)
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