What Transformation Looks Like
Early in my Christian life, I remember a more mature
believer asking me about the power of God. Of course, I knew about God’s
ability to create the universe out of nothing; His command over the whole
world; His authority to direct angels to do His will, demons to obey, and all
creation to bow before Him. When thinking about power, these things naturally
came to mind. But, my friend pushed me to think deeper about the power of God.
Not just the raw exercise of His will, but the areas in which God directs His
authority and control. In particular, the power to change a heart, to change a
mind, to change a life.
My interest in history causes me to ask the question: “Who
exercised real power in this world?” Of course, I think of world leaders,
powerful men and women, and all that they accomplished, both good and
bad—changing the way we feel, act, or think about a situation. Any number of
influential men and women throughout history have shifted the way our culture,
society, and even history have developed. A study in power would certainly
touch on these individuals.
But, the transformation that takes place in an individual’s
heart and soul when they are caught up in the salvation of Jesus Christ is a
different order of power all together. Here we have, not power to change the
circumstances in which we live, but power to change hearts and minds, taking
what is stone and making it flesh, soft to the things of God. The LORD says to
His people: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will
remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel
36:26). Now, that is power! Unless we assume God is exaggerating, the work He
is talking about doing in our lives is truly awesome! It is on the order of
changing stone to flesh! And, for all who have come to Him, that is what has
taken place in your life.
It should be sad, so very sad, if that kind of power has
operated in your life and you still act “stone-y.” Think about it. Consider
that the LORD has worked His grace deep into your heart, so effectively, so
intimately, that stone has become flesh—what was cold and dead is now vibrant
and alive. Could you live without showing the results of that power to the
world?
Our passage for this week, Genesis 44, follows Joseph’s
continued interaction with his brothers. Joseph is still incognito—hiding his
real identity from his brothers. They do not realize that it is their own
brother, the betrayed one, who holds power over them now. But through the story,
the amazing thing is the extent of the transformation that has occurred in the
hearts of the brothers. They have experienced the conviction of the Holy
Spirit: Aware of their sin, their guilt over their treatment of young Joseph,
they see their current circumstances through that lens. Softened by God, Judah
appeals to Pharaoh’s right-hand man, for mercy on Benjamin. Think about it,
just like Joseph, Benjamin is Dad’s favorite. Just like Joseph, the brothers
have a chance to do away with the favorite and better their own position. But,
instead, Judah willingly offers his own life for that of his brother. What a
transformation! Instead of leading his brothers to do away with the favorite
son, Judah offers his own life in exchange for him. God has certainly been at
work through these years!
This is a picture of the transforming power of the Holy
Spirit—working in the brothers’ lives, and working in the lives of all
believers. I think we can learn more of His transforming work in us by studying
Genesis 44 together.
1. In the opening verses, why does Joseph insist on putting
the brothers’ money back into their bags? There are various possibilities here,
but what do you think fits most clearly with Joseph’s character?
2. The entire situation with the hidden silver cup is a bit
questionable—why would Joseph have done this? He has totally set up the
brothers—is that fair? Are we supposed to think positively about Joseph here?
3. The brothers are clearly confident in their innocence
(vs. 7-9). And, while they might have been innocent of stealing the cup, their
guilt remains (vs. 16). Does this kind of justice sound right to you?
4. Benjamin had been honored specifically by Joseph during
the meal. Why now do you think Joseph singles him out to “play the trick” on
him?
5. List out all the ways the brothers express a solidarity
with Benjamin. Consider how very different this is than how they viewed Joseph.
6. In what ways does Judah’s offer to substitute himself
for Benjamin (vs. 33) prefigure the very work of Christ?
