Genesis chapter 43 verses 19-23 (NIV)
So they went up to Joseph’s steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house. “We beg your pardon, our lord,” they said, “we came down here the first time to buy food. But at the place where we stopped for the night we opened our sacks and each of us found his silver—the exact weight—in the mouth of his sack. So we have brought it back with us. We have also brought additional silver with us to buy food. We don’t know who put our silver in our sacks.” “It’s all right,” he said. “Don’t be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.
Joseph’s brothers returned to Egypt with fear and trepidation. They expected that there would be consequences for the seeming error with the silver. Did they pray to God for His guidance on the matter? We don’t read that they did, however we do read that they are given God’s reassurance from an unlikely source – Joseph’s steward.
God often uses people or situations that we don’t expect to speak to us. We just need to keep our eyes and ears open. I do wonder how the Egyptian steward knew God? It was also very bold of the steward to speak out as he did. Perhaps it was once again the witness from Joseph’s life that sparked the Steward’s interest in the true and living God. Another example and reminder to us that our daily life lived out before God can make a great impact on others.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the example set by the Steward by His obedience in speaking out for You. May I be bold enough to do the same, and may my life shine as an example for You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.