Introductory Thoughts
The word blame and its various forms appears twenty-four times in scripture. In a general sense, blame is the guilty responsibility concerning a matter. In Genesis chapter 43, Judah understood the necessity of taking Benjamin if they were to buy food, but he also understood the concerns of his father. Jacob already lost Joseph; he was not prepared to lose another son, especially Benjamin. With these things in mind, Judah promised his father that Benjamin would come back to Jacob alive and well. If Judah was unable to fulfil this promise, he was prepared to bear the blame forever. Later, while in Egypt, when it appeared as though Benjamin would be taken, Judah declared his responsibility for the lad (Genesis 44:10, 32).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Read how the two spies and Rahab agreed concerning the conditions under which either she or they would be guilty if Rahab and her people were not spared the destruction of Jericho (Joshua 2:12-21; Joshua 6:21-23). Read also how Jonah was to blame regarding the storm (Jonah 1:10-12).
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(For everyone): Jacob was initially unwilling to send Benjamin with the other brothers in order to buy food. How did Judah become responsible for the life of Benjamin when he talked his father into sending Benjamin?
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What are some areas of responsibility where you could be to blame if something goes wrong? How can you avoid the blame?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to teach you how to be blameless in a practical sense.
- Ask the Lord to teach you about being blameless before Him.
Song
HIS WAY WITH THEE
