The Unless Series continues…
The next occurrence of the word unless in the Scriptures (according to the NASB) is in Genesis 42…
by this you will be tested: by the life of Pharaoh,
you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here!
Genesis 42:15
From Genesis 42 until Genesis 44 the word “unless” occurs five times and each time its related to this same verse. So what’s the context of this verse?
Joseph is now second in command in Egypt. Let us remember that he has gained this position after his older brothers threw him in a pit and then sold him as a slave to Midianite traders. Now in Genesis 42 his brothers stand before him… well no… actually, his brothers bow before him and they are seeking food.
Joseph accuses them of being spies… and does not believe their words… and so he gives them an opportunity to prove their words. This opportunity he gives them will serve a two-fold purpose.
1) It will test the words and character of his older brothers
2) It will give him peace over the concern he has carried for the welfare of his younger brother, Benjamin
The usage of this unless is pretty much an ultimatum. I believe the point of this ultimatum is to remind us that true words come with action backing them. True words can be tested and proved.
You can read these chapters and clearly see the dilemma placed before the brothers by Joseph. You want grain… bring me the brother. If you speak the truth then you have nothing to fear.
There is no need or room for quarreling when our words are true.
Joseph knew this.
Because Joseph spoke truth… and he endured whatever consequences came with it.
Sometimes, God places us in sticky situations to test us. Sometimes He places us in sticky situations as an opportunity for redemption, an opportunity for confession, and opportunity to make a wrong a right.
Here is this unless…
We can see what the brothers did, and how the unless played out in their lives and in the life of Joseph as we read the rest of Genesis.
Today I want you to consider the “unless ultimatum” that may be before you today. Are you in a sticky situation? Is there an unless before you now? An unless that will test you, to see if you are a changed person?
Has God placed an opportunity before you today to do the right thing?
Will you be tested and approved?
Will your words come with action?