10.29.07 RE:ading – Genesis 44:1-18; 27-34

RE:flect

Judah begins to take a larger role in the story now. He begins t0 speak for his brothers. He begins to take more leadership and he is willing to vow/pledge what others may not. This is a legacy that the tribe of Judah would rely on, and would become proud of, in the future. In many ways “the line of the Tribe of Judah” gave birth to hope in the darkest of Israel’s history—including the birth of Jesus Christ.

Have you ever had the chance to be a leader, and walked away? Not a leadership title. I am talking leadership in action... whether you have a “title” or not. We can learn from Judah here. We can sit back and what how he speaks, reacts, what he is willing to DO to accomplish a goal. We don’t often think about it this way… but being a leader is doing what needs to be done. Even if nobody follows you—you can lead through example. So is there something that you are willing to do—even if all reject you? Will you be like Judah… will you take the stand, dig your feet into the ground, and do the right thing?

RE:act

I know that I struggle a lot with this. I know the right thing to do, but I don’t always do the right thing. I see the opportunities pass me by: a person in line while I am buy food for a lock-in, the one teenager sitting alone in the foyer, making that call… I know that I am not ready to be the lone person, if that be the case. How about you? Do you see the times that God has presented an opportunity to you and you have walked away?

What about the times when you haven’t? I think that we can all await our time, our turn—our destiny (if you will). When the opportunity comes to speak, act and be the bold leader… let us determine that we will be like Judah and not cower or back down. Let’s live a loud life for God – no matter what the outcome.

RE:ply

Lord. Please forgive us for not hearing you like we should.

Lord, please forgive us for not looking for moments of opportunity to serve you.

Lord, I need to prepare my heart each day to do your will. Teach me your will, show me your commands, instruct my mind and make me new—then I will know your will. I will be able to do your will.

Lord, I pray for strength for my family, my church, my friends and myself to be Christians no matter what.

Lord, help me to be like Judah—to fulfill my promises, take my stand, speak truth and place my life in your hands. You hold the heavens and time in your hand. What is my life to you? You can truly handle me. I am not a burden to you. Save my soul, my mind and make me to be like you.

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:12)