Judah said unto Israel his father, 'I myself will be surety for him, from my hand shalt thou require him. If I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame forever' (Gen 43:8-9) (KJV). I will be surety for him. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.

Irresponsible, unloving and uncaring, the very existence of another person is thought by this world to be against its interests. One does not care for the other. Only if there is to be some gain from others or if they are obedient, people generally show care or love. The brotherly affection present in the childhood wanes as one grows older. The world is turning more and more selfish.

Jacob had twelve sons. Jacob loved Joseph more than all his children and made him a tunic of many colours. Joseph lived in a way pleasing to his father. Moreover he was hated by his brothers on account of a godly dream that he saw which implied that he would become a great ruler. Meanwhile Joseph was sent by his father to Dothan, to bring news of the well being of his brothers who had gone there for grazing the flocks. When those ten brothers saw Joseph in the distance, they conspired against him to kill him.

When Joseph came near them , they took him and threw him into a waterless pit. Later they sold him off for money to some merchants traveling to Egypt. Many years had passed by. In the midst of many trials and tribulations, Joseph was elevated by God's grace to the position of governor of Egypt, next only to Pharaoh. There was famine in the land and Joseph, as governor of Egypt, supplied people grains. Famine was severe in all the countries.

As the famine was increasing in the land of Canaan where Jacob lived, Joseph's brothers numbering ten, went to Egypt to buy grain. They bowed down before Joseph the governor and requested him for grain. Joseph remembered the dreams which the Lord gave him. Without revealing his identity , he dealt harshly with them and called them spies.

They denied his charges and told him that they were not spies but were twelve sons of one man, one was with their father and one was no more. However Joseph with the intention of testing them , took Simeon, bound him and ordered them 'You must bring your youngest brother with you when you come here next time. Otherwise you shall not see my face'.

They returned and explained these incidents to their father Jacob. A few days later, when grains were consumed, Jacob said to them 'Go back to Egypt and buy us a little more food, that we may live and not die'. They replied that unless Benjamin accompanies them, they will not go down to Egypt. Jacob was greatly worried and refused to send Benjamin with them, fearing some mishap might occur to him on the way.

Then Judah spoke offering surety for Benjamin, "Send the lad with me. I myself will be surety for him, from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you, and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever'" (Gen 43:8-9)(KJV). When the Lord asked Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?", Cain replied "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen 4:9).

But here Judah assumes responsibility telling 'Send the lad with me. I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. I will bring him back to you and set him before you.' How marvelous !

Are you aware that you are a surety to your brother, sister, daughter, son , wife, husband, relatives, friends and all those you see and hear and especially those who are entrusted in your care. The Lord says: Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me. Otherwise their blood, I will require at your hand ( Ezek 3:16-21)(NKJV). Have you resolved in the presence of God to offer surety to any person? If you have not done so, make such a decision today.

Benjamin was sent with Judah. When Benjamin was in danger, Judah pleaded with the governor for him saying, "O my lord, I became surety for this lad to my father. Please let him go for how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me?" (Gen 44:18-34). The lad was released and Judah brought him and set him before his father.

Do you have this zeal? Do you murder your brother out of jealousy? Do you hate your brother or sister for worthless money ? Do you sell them off? Are you looking for gain? (or) Are you undertaking surety for bringing that soul and set him before the presence of God ? God shall require him from your hand. If you fail to set him before God, you will be held guilty. You are a surety for the souls. Behave as a surety. Pray and beseech the Lord and you will set them before God, the souls loved by Him. You are a surety for the souls.

He who wins souls is wise (Prov 11:30).