Nehemiah 8:1-12

Call to Worship: Nehemiah 9:5b-6 (MSG)

Blessed be your glorious name,    exalted above all blessing and praise!You’re the one,    God, you alone;You made the heavens,    the heavens of heavens, and all angels;The earth and everything on it,    the seas and everything in them;You keep them all alive;    heaven’s angels worship you!

Scripture Reading: John 15:1, 3-5, 7, 9-11 (ESV) 

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Sermon Text: Nehemiah 8:1-12 (ESV)

1 And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. 4 And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. 8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

Nehemiah 3, Ephesians 4:11-13

Call to Worship: 1 Kings 8:23, 56-68 (NRSV amended)

O Lord, our God,There is no God like you in heaven above or earth beneath,Keeping covenant and steadfast love for Your servantswho walk before you with all their heart.

Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israelaccording to all that He promised;not one word has failed of all His good promise;which He spoke through His servant Moses.

The Lord our God be with us,as He was with our ancestors;may He not leave us or abandon us,but incline our hearts to Him,to walk heart to heart and hand in hand in all his ways,and to keep His commandments,His statutes, and His ordinances,which He commanded our ancestors.

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Sermon Text: Nehemiah 3; Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV)

1Then the high priest Eliashib set to work with his fellow priests and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set up its doors; they consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And the men of Jericho built next to him. And next to them Zaccur son of Imri built.

3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 Next to them Meremoth son of Uriah son of Hakkoz made repairs. Next to them Meshullam son of Berechiah son of Meshezabel made repairs. Next to them Zadok son of Baana made repairs. 5 Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.

6 Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 7 Next to them repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite—the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah—who were under the jurisdiction of  the governor of the province Beyond the River. 8 Next to them Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs; and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 Next to them Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs. 10 Next to them Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house; and next to him Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs. 11 Malchijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12 Next to him Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district ofJerusalem, made repairs, he and his daughters.

13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate; they rebuilt it and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.

14 Malchijah son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate; he rebuilt it and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars.

15 And Shallum son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate; he rebuilt it and covered it and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars; and he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the City of David. 16 After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired from a point opposite the graves of David, as far as the artificial pool and the house of the warriors. 17 After him the Levites made repairs: Rehum son of Bani; next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. 18 After him their kin made repairs: Binnui,son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah; 19 next to him Ezer son of Jeshua, rulerof Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the Angle. 20 After him Baruch son of Zabbai repaired a

Nehemiah 3, Ephesians 4:11-13

Call to Worship: 1 Kings 8:23, 56-68 (NRSV amended)

O Lord, our God,There is no God like you in heaven above or earth beneath,Keeping covenant and steadfast love for Your servantswho walk before you with all their heart.

Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israelaccording to all that He promised;not one word has failed of all His good promise;which He spoke through His servant Moses.

The Lord our God be with us,as He was with our ancestors;may He not leave us or abandon us,but incline our hearts to Him,to walk heart to heart and hand in hand in all his ways,and to keep His commandments,His statutes, and His ordinances,which He commanded our ancestors.

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Sermon Text: Nehemiah 3; Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV)

1Then the high priest Eliashib set to work with his fellow priests and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set up its doors; they consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And the men of Jericho built next to him. And next to them Zaccur son of Imri built.

3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 Next to them Meremoth son of Uriah son of Hakkoz made repairs. Next to them Meshullam son of Berechiah son of Meshezabel made repairs. Next to them Zadok son of Baana made repairs. 5 Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.

6 Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 7 Next to them repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite—the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah—who were under the jurisdiction of  the governor of the province Beyond the River. 8 Next to them Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs; and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 Next to them Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs. 10 Next to them Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house; and next to him Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs. 11 Malchijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12 Next to him Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district ofJerusalem, made repairs, he and his daughters.

13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate; they rebuilt it and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.

14 Malchijah son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate; he rebuilt it and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars.

15 And Shallum son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate; he rebuilt it and covered it and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars; and he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the City of David. 16 After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired from a point opposite the graves of David, as far as the artificial pool and the house of the warriors. 17 After him the Levites made repairs: Rehum son of Bani; next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. 18 After him their kin made repairs: Binnui,son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah; 19 next to him Ezer son of Jeshua, rulerof Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the Angle. 20 After him Baruch son of Zabbai repaired a

Habbakuk 1-3

Call to Worship: Psalm 145:5-9 (adapted from The Message and ESV)

O Father, generation after generation stands in awe of your work;        each one tells stories of your mighty acts.

Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking,        and composing songs on your wonders.

Your marvelous doings are headline news;        I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.

The fame of your goodness spreads across the country;        your righteousness is on everyone’s lips.

The Lord is gracious and merciful—         slow to anger and abounding in everlasting love.

The Lord is good to one and all;        and his compassion is over all that he has made. Amen

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:31-39 (MSG)

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Sermon Questions

Habbakuk 1-3

Call to Worship: Psalm 145:5-9 (adapted from The Message and ESV)

O Father, generation after generation stands in awe of your work;        each one tells stories of your mighty acts.

Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking,        and composing songs on your wonders.

Your marvelous doings are headline news;        I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.

The fame of your goodness spreads across the country;        your righteousness is on everyone’s lips.

The Lord is gracious and merciful—         slow to anger and abounding in everlasting love.

The Lord is good to one and all;        and his compassion is over all that he has made. Amen

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:31-39 (MSG)

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Genesis 44:1-45:15

Call to Worship: Psalm 107:8-9, Isaiah 55:1 (adapted)

Let us praise the Lord for His great love,  and for the wonderful things He has done for us, for he satisfies the thirsty,  and he fills the hungry with good things!All who thirst, come to the waters.Come, all who are weary; come, all who yearn for forgiveness;come, all who long for healing from strife.

The Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ has washed over us, and our gracious and holy God beckons and blesses us,with peace that surpasses comprehension. Drink deeply of these living waters. 

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-15 (MSG)

12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. 15 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.

Sermon Text: Genesis 44:1-45:15 (ESV)

I. Joseph Tests the Integrity of his Brothers (44:1-13)A. A trap set with Joseph’s cup (44:1-2)1 Then he commanded the steward of his house, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack, 2 and put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, with his money for the grain.” And he did as Joseph told him.

B. The brothers overtaken with accusation (44:3-6)3As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away with their donkeys. 4 They had gone only a short distance from the city. Now Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? 5Is it not from this that my lord drinks, and by this that he practices divination? You have done evil in doing this.’”

C. The brothers’ vow of innocence (44:7-9)6 When he overtook them, he spoke to them these words. 7 They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!8 Behold, the money that we found in the mouths of our sacks we brought back to you from the land of Canaan. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house?9 Whichever of your servants is found with it shall die, and we also will be my lord’s servants.”

D. Brothers return to Joseph’s house (44:10-13)10 He said, “Let it be as you say: he who is found with it shall be my servant, and the rest of you shall be innocent.” 11 Then each man quickly lowered his sack to the ground, and each man opened his sack. 12 And he searched, beginning with the eldest and ending with the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city.

II. Judah Proves His Integrity (44:14-34)A. Judah’s plea and Joseph’s verdict (44:14-17)14 When Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, he was still there. They fell before him to the ground. 15 Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Do you not know that a man like me can indeed practice divination?” 16 And Judah said, “What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how can we clear ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we and he also in whose hand the cup has been found.” 17 But he said, “Far be it from me that I should do so! Only the man in whose hand the cup was found shall be my servant. But as for you, go up in peace to your father.”

B. Judah’s courageous appeal (44:18-34)18 Then Judah went up to him and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not your anger burn against your s

Genesis 44:1-45:15

Call to Worship: Psalm 107:8-9, Isaiah 55:1 (adapted)

Let us praise the Lord for His great love,  and for the wonderful things He has done for us, for he satisfies the thirsty,  and he fills the hungry with good things!All who thirst, come to the waters.Come, all who are weary; come, all who yearn for forgiveness;come, all who long for healing from strife.

The Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ has washed over us, and our gracious and holy God beckons and blesses us,with peace that surpasses comprehension. Drink deeply of these living waters. 

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-15 (MSG)

12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. 15 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.

Sermon Text: Genesis 44:1-45:15 (ESV)

I. Joseph Tests the Integrity of his Brothers (44:1-13)A. A trap set with Joseph’s cup (44:1-2)1 Then he commanded the steward of his house, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack, 2 and put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, with his money for the grain.” And he did as Joseph told him.

B. The brothers overtaken with accusation (44:3-6)3As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away with their donkeys. 4 They had gone only a short distance from the city. Now Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? 5Is it not from this that my lord drinks, and by this that he practices divination? You have done evil in doing this.’”

C. The brothers’ vow of innocence (44:7-9)6 When he overtook them, he spoke to them these words. 7 They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!8 Behold, the money that we found in the mouths of our sacks we brought back to you from the land of Canaan. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house?9 Whichever of your servants is found with it shall die, and we also will be my lord’s servants.”

D. Brothers return to Joseph’s house (44:10-13)10 He said, “Let it be as you say: he who is found with it shall be my servant, and the rest of you shall be innocent.” 11 Then each man quickly lowered his sack to the ground, and each man opened his sack. 12 And he searched, beginning with the eldest and ending with the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city.

II. Judah Proves His Integrity (44:14-34)A. Judah’s plea and Joseph’s verdict (44:14-17)14 When Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, he was still there. They fell before him to the ground. 15 Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Do you not know that a man like me can indeed practice divination?” 16 And Judah said, “What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how can we clear ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we and he also in whose hand the cup has been found.” 17 But he said, “Far be it from me that I should do so! Only the man in whose hand the cup was found shall be my servant. But as for you, go up in peace to your father.”

B. Judah’s courageous appeal (44:18-34)18 Then Judah went up to him and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not your anger burn against your s

Genesis 43:1-34

Call to Worship: Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV)

1    Bless the Lord, O my soul,             and all that is within me,             bless his holy name!2     Bless the Lord, O my soul,             forget not all his benefits,3     who forgives all your iniquity,             who heals all your diseases,4     who redeems your life from the pit,             crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5     who satisfies you with good             so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:13-18 (NIV)

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Sermon Questions

Genesis 43:1-34

1979 – Anwar al-Sadat, Menachem Begin and Jimmy Carter sign the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice!Strive for full restoration, encourage one another,be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

Call to Worship: Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV)

1    Bless the Lord, O my soul,             and all that is within me,             bless his holy name!2     Bless the Lord, O my soul,             forget not all his benefits,3     who forgives all your iniquity,             who heals all your diseases,4     who redeems your life from the pit,             crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5     who satisfies you with good             so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:13-18 (NIV)

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Scripture Text: Genesis 43:1-34 (ESV)

I. Family Negotiations to Return to Egypt (43:1-14)A. Jacob’s command, Judah’s objection (1-5)1 Now the famine was severe in the land. 2 And when they had eaten the grain that they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a little food.” 3 But Judah said to him, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ 4 If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. 5 But if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’”

B. Israel counters with self-pity (6-7)6 Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?” 7 They replied, “The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ What we told him was in answer to these questions. Could we in any way know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” 

C. Judah’s courageous proposal (8-10)8 And Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. 9 I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. 10 If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.”

D. Permission granted (11-14)11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry a present down to the man, a little balm and a little honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds. 12 Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight. 13 Take also your brother, and arise, go again to the man. 14 May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, and may he send back your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”

II. The Brothers Come Clean Before Joseph (43:15-34)A. Preparations made by each party (15-17)15 So the men took this present, and they took double the money with them, and Benjamin. They arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph.

16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and

Genesis 42:1-38

Call to Worship: 1 Chronicles 16:8-12 (NIV v. 13 adapted)

8    Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;             make known among the nations what he has done.9     Sing to him, sing praise to him;             tell of all his wonderful acts.10     Glory in his holy name;             let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.11     Look to the Lord and his strength;             seek his face always.12     Remember the wonders he has done,             his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,13    you his servants, the spiritual seed of Abraham,             his chosen ones, faithful disciples of Jesus.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 33:10-20 (NIV)

10    The Lord foils the plans of the nations;             he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.11    But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,             the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12    Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,             the people he chose for his inheritance.13    From heaven the Lord looks down             and sees all mankind;14    from his dwelling place he watches             all who live on earth—15    he who forms the hearts of all,             who considers everything they do.

16    No king is saved by the size of his army;             no warrior escapes by his great strength.17    A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;             despite all its great strength it cannot save.18    But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,             on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,19    to deliver them from death             and keep them alive in famine.

20    We wait in hope for the Lord;             he is our help and our shield.

Sermon Questions