God Changes People

today in our text, Joseph will meet his brothers again for the first time since they sold him into slavery over 20 years ago.

1. God Changed Joseph's Brothers!
   By the time we get to the end of Chapter 44 today, Joseph will be convinced that God has changed his brothers for the good. As we go through these chapters, I will note three examples of change Joseph observed in his brothers.
   Evidence #1 – Admission of their sin - 42:21
   God uses this trouble the brothers are encountering to convict them of the sin they committed 20 plus years ago against Joseph! The brothers knew they were innocent regarding the charge of being spies, but they recognize they are guilty of a heinous and heartless crime 22 years earlier when they sold Joseph into slavery.
   They confess their sin to one another right in front of Joseph
   Evidence #2 – No Jealousy of Benjamin - 43:34
   Joseph's brothers have changed. Years ago when Joseph received preferential treatment from their father – they responded with hatred and jealousy. But here they don't react that way when Benjamin (the favored baby of the family) receives preferential treatment.
   Evidence #3 – Judah's love for his father and Benjamin
   Incredibly, Judah offers to become a slave in Benjamin's place. Judah is willing to spend the rest of his life as a slave in Egypt so that Benjamin can return to his father. Judah is willing to give up seeing his wife and kids so that his father would not be deprived of his favorite son.
   Judah's extreme act of sacrifice demonstrates love for Benjamin and great love for his father – Jacob.
2. God Can Change Anyone!
3. Change Occurs Through Repentance.