Scripture

Judah...said, “O my lord, please let your servant speak a word . . . and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh.”
(Genesis 44:18)

Devotional

Judah understood the power of a proper appeal. He knew that to acquire what he desired he would have to win the favor of Joseph. Now, the lesson presented here is two-fold. First of all, Judah did not know to whom he was appealing. Likewise, we may not always know to whom we are speaking. Second, the one making the request is subordinate to the one who is able to meet the request. Judah may not have understood the first, but he obviously comprehended the second. Judah therefore addressed Joseph humbly and with respect. We, also, when we are required to make an appeal, must remember that we may not fully understand to whom we are speaking. We must not appeal arrogantly or coercively. We are to appeal humbly, honestly, and with respect. This is the art of the appeal. Use it wisely and it will serve you well.

Text For The Day

Genesis 44:18: Judah… said: “O my lord, please let your servant speak a word… and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh.

Thought For The Day

“The art of the appeal,” use it wisely and it will serve you well.” Tony Foglio, Founding Pastor of Sonrise Community Church

Questions To Ponder

Throughout the Scriptures we see the power of the humble appeal. What are some examples that come to mind?[1]
Consider the Psalms; are not many of them appeals to God?

To whom have you appealed, and has anyone ever appealed to you? Consider: timing, attitude, and patience

[1] 2 Kings 8:3, Philemon 8-10, Hebrews 13:22

Morning Study Guide

Definition: There is no better way to define a word than by great examples: Consider the appeals of Moses for Israel (Exodus 32:11), Abraham for Sodom (Genesis 18:24-32), Paul for Onesimus (Philemon 10), Christ for you and me (Luke 23:34).

Reference: “For love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ,” Philemon 9

Application: Even if the authority is yours, instead of a demand begin with an appeal. Make a demand, and an order may be followed. Make an appeal, and a heart will follow.