Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds. 12 Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. 13 Take your brother also and go back to the man at once. 14 And may God Almighty[a] grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”15 So the men took the gifts and double the amount of silver, and Benjamin also. They hurried down to Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph. 16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house, slaughter an animal and prepare a meal; they are to eat with me at noon.”
The Day Israel Let Go–Genesis 43 Part 2
It was the moment they had all been waiting for…Israel agreed to send Benjamin to Egypt. This was a significant moment in the life of God’s people. After losing Joseph, Israel had lost his trust in God’s plan. His only living reminder of his beloved Rachel was young Ben. Years had passed and life had progressed, but, Israel remained extremely protective of his youngest son.
With the famine, however, came the crossroads–would the patriarch of this people allow them all to starve to protect Benjamin? Israel finally resigned himself to letting go and trusting the God that had provided for his family since the dawn of time. The amazing part of the release was that it would be the act that truly restored the family and Israel to where God wanted them to be.
In order to be truly free, one must detach one’s self from his greatest point of attachment. In other words, as Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me; let him deny himself, take up his cross–daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23. Israel had to place his most protected treasure on the alter and trust God to take care of it.
In our lives, we each have things we consider ours at all cost–our families, our careers, our prized possessions or even simply our name and reputation. God calls us to release those things into his care. If we will, He in turn will bless them and return them in a way we would never expect and only dream possible. Israel released Benjamin; he was about to receive back so much more…
God Bless You
Walking With God 