A Brother Intercedes

Background Scripture: Genesis 37–42
Lesson Scripture: Genesis 37:18–30; 42:22, 36–37

Introduction

To intercede is to plead or beg on another’s behalf. In order to be moved to such action for another, we must perceive their needs as well as the circumstances surrounding them. To see the needs of those around us, we must be filled with the love of God. When we are dulled by selfishness, we can be too busy to notice or too self-centered to care about our companions in life. May we have perceptive eyes and caring hearts and be moved to ask our heavenly Father to give life to those who are faltering on the way (1 John 5:16).

Key Verse

And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Jacob and his family had been living in Canaan for about ten years at the time of the setting in our lesson. Jacob’s family was needing fatherly guidance at this crucial stage, and it seems Jacob was preoccupied with his own grief. He had faced his own treacherous past when he prepared to meet his brother Esau as he returned to his homeland. Rachel, his favored wife, had borne him a second son, but she had died in childbirth. His father, Isaac, died during this time as well. His sons had established themselves as a clan to be reckoned with, taking judgment into their own hands when they felt it was needed.

Meanwhile, Jacob’s herds increased under the care of his sons. They were able shepherds, facing the rigors and hardships of following the flocks as their father had done in Haran. They were tending the flocks some fifty miles north of where Jacob had settled in the region of Hebron. Their father was concerned for their welfare and sent his seventeen-year-old son Joseph to see how they were faring. Not finding them in Shechem, he was directed another twenty miles north to Dothan. He was no doubt anxious to find his own kin after three days of walking. Little did he know the scheming that was taking place as they saw him approaching in his colorful coat.

Reuben was well aware of the malicious intent of his brothers. He used his influence, as the firstborn, to lead his brothers to consider more tolerant actions toward Joseph, suggesting that casting him into a pit would surely be better than outright murder. While Joseph pleaded, his bothers sat down in callous contempt to eat their bread. Perhaps wanting a little reprieve from the ugly situation, Reuben dismissed himself for a time. Dismay gripped him upon returning to find Joseph gone. A sense of responsibility and his failure to deliver his brother haunted Reuben, even until the day he found himself in Joseph’s presence buying corn.

Practical Truths for Today

Adam and Eve’s sin against God broke the hallowed bond of communing with their Maker in the cool of the day. So complete was this separation that if the heavenly Father had not promised to send His Son, mankind would have languished in utter despair. As a foretaste of the fellowship to be restored in the gospel era, God chose to reveal Himself to some in the Old Testament. Jacob experienced a visit from God as he fled from Esau. He spent the night outdoors with a stone for a pillow and dreamed of a great ladder that reached from earth to heaven. Possibly Jacob caught a glimpse of Jesus (John 1:51) as the link between God and man. His encounter that night became a guiding light in his life. Later, the prophets often spoke of the coming Redeemer, Savior, and Intercessor.

One reason Jesus came to earth is so we can realize how well He understands the toils and temptations we face. He is now at the right hand of God interceding for us. How often our holy God could cast us away, yet our Savior gently intercedes, and God extends mercy instead of judgment. A vision of this great work on our behalf gives us thankfulness for salvation and a purpose in life. We can come confidently to God in any time of need and be assured that our petition will be heard. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25).

Following the example of Jesus, Paul exhorts us to be intercessors for our fellowmen (1 Tim. 2:1). Being aloof or feeling superior will affect our attitude toward those around us who are needy. Do I feel like my faltering brother should “get a grip” on his problems and get on with life, or am I touched by his struggle? Am I repulsed by the staggering gait of the man on the street who wishes to be free of his problems with substance abuse, or can I breathe a prayer that God will be merciful? Do I give a condescending look to the youth whose tattoos and piercings match the coldness in his eye, or can I give him a warm smile? May we be moved with compassion to plead God’s grace and mercy for others.

Sometimes we are called to mediate and bring those with differing views into harmony. Mothers may be the first teachers of such lessons. Playtime can be a test to small children—teach them to let other children enjoy their toys with them. Sometimes children complain about all the work they have to do, while it seems to them other children are favored with breaks. We should help children learn to be happy, even when life is not fair. The playground at school is an excellent place to teach children to play by the rules, losing or winning graciously. These childhood lessons prepare children for the bigger bumps on the road of life.

Illustration

The people of God had gathered for their annual business meeting. This year, however, the timing coincided with an Allied assault in the Middle East. War had a sobering effect on the gathering. The elder brother who led in devotions pleaded for those on the battlefield. He did not ask for Allied victory. Rather, his prayer “contained a concern for those involved in the war in Iraq, asking that, in danger of death, their prayers would be to the saving of their soul.” 1 What a beautiful example of intercession!

Questions

1. Is it more beneficial to quietly intercede for someone rather than to let him know I am praying for him?
2. Is it appropriate for the laity to ask leaders to extend mercy to a brother who is facing discipline?
3. How do we express compassion in our live-and-let-live society?
4. What are signs that we are interceding for someone out of duty instead of love?
5. 1 2003 Annual Meeting, Friday morning session
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).