Bloodline Authority
This morning, I was reading Genesis 43 during a Bible study, and one detail stopped me in my tracks. Joseph had his brothers seated at his table, but when the food was served, Benjamin's portion was different. Scripture says, "When portions were served to them from Joseph's table, Benjamin's portion was five times as much as anyone else's" (Genesis 43:34). Benjamin's plate was piled high, not because he earned it, worked harder for it, or was somehow more talented than his brothers. His plate was piled high because of his bloodline. Benjamin shared the same mother as Joseph. There was a unique closeness in their relationship and an undeniable connection in their lineage that resulted in favor at the table. His portion was not determined by his performance; it was connected to who he belonged to. As I sat with that scripture, I felt the Lord speak something to my spirit: "If Benjamin's plate was piled high because of his connection to Joseph, why ...