Title

The Appeal

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.