Bible Reading: Genesis 43 | John 15 | Psalm 43

Devotional for February 28, 2025
Reading: Genesis 43 | John 15 | Psalm 43
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Genesis 43

The events of Ch. 42 continue into the chapter before us today. In the previous chapter, the sons of Jacob return to Jacob in the land of Canaan and give their report of events that occurred while in Egypt. They also tell Jacob of the need to return to the land, bringing Benjamin with them. The severe famine prompts Jacob to send his sons back to Egypt. Judah reminds him they must bring Benjamin, or Joseph will not see them. After Judah offers himself as a pledge of security, Jacob relents, and the brothers begin the journey to Egypt. Upon arriving, Joseph throws them a dinner party. Fearing Joseph, the brothers consider that this could be a plot to enslave them as thieves. But, of course, it is all by design to prepare how Joseph would reveal himself to them.

Judah is of interest in this chapter. He is compared with Reuben (42:37), but more importantly, he is the one who pledges security for Benjamin. Our Savior has done the same. As the one who comes from Judah, he pledged his life for ours. He was willing to offer himself a ransom for us. In this narrative, Judah acts as a type of Christ for the sake of his brother. Likewise, Jesus Christ offers himself for his brothers (See Heb. 2:10-13).

John 15

John 15 is the discourse of the True Vine. There are two primary sections in this chapter. First, the speech itself is found in 15:1-11, and the typical response of the world towards those who are part of the true vine (15:18-27).

The discourse of the True Vine is another one of those times in which Jesus uses readily known and seen items. Jesus is a master storyteller. The simple thrust of the discourse is that we cannot do anything without being connected to the vine. Just as grapes cannot grow unless attached to the vine, we cannot do what is right and good unless we are connected to the Vine, Christ. Without him, we can do nothing.

All those united to the Vine will suffer persecution from those who are not. The world hated Jesus, and they will hate his followers. Persecution and suffering are part of living the Christian life. However, Jesus promises his Spirit to help us in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. 

Psalm 43

Psalm 43 is the compendium Psalm of Psalm 42. The subject is worship, precisely the lament presented by the writer, who is prevented from being in public worship. The words are similar, and the complaint is the same. There are three stanzas.

43:1-2

This section describes the complaint issued by the writer. He is prevented from being in worship because of unkind people. The circumstances are not given, but we know it is enough to cause his heartache. We, too, should feel a certain level of distress when we are prevented from being in worship on the Lord’s Day. The reasons may be legitimate, but we should miss it when we cannot be in attendance.

43:3-4

This section is a cry for relief with the goal of being able to attend the worship of God. The words and pictures regarding God’s “holy hill” and the “altar” confirm that desire. When we are prevented from worship, we should pray that God will remove every obstacle so we can be in God’s worship.

43:5

Again, the Psalmist reiterates his distress but reminds himself of his hope in God, especially when prevented from publicly worshipping Him.