As we discovered in our last lesson, God uses adversity to reveal and
shape our character, making a way for truth to be established in our hearts.
Today we'll actually see adversity begin to mold the hearts of Joseph's
brothers and dig up their guilt. If you remember, they were placed in
prison where Joseph purposely kept them for three days, insuring their
future obedience! A wise plan indeed... As Joseph approaches to release
his brethren, he begins his second conversation with them that consists
of a plan for them to follow that will spare their lives if obeyed. Let's
listen in and see what both parties are saying as we read Genesis 42:18-23…
And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear
God: If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house
of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: But bring
your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye
shall not die. And they did so. And they said one to another, We are verily
guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul,
when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress
come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you,
saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore,
behold, also his blood is required. And they knew not that Joseph understood
them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.
Joseph settled at last that one of the brothers should be kept as hostage
while the rest go home and fetch Benjamin, the youngest. In view of how
Joseph had been treated at home, no doubt he wanted to ensure that Benjamin
was still around! Yes, Joseph wanted to verify the words from their very
own lips that they were "true men". Following this stern plan would not
only require a sacrifice on their part, but also preserve their lives.
Even so, Joseph exhibited mercy by letting them take corn home with them
this trip. Ladies, there are benefits to doing right and so it is when
we follow God's plan for our lives! Would you have submitted to Joseph's
plan if you were his brothers? It's certainly easier to trust someone
we know than someone we don't know, isn't it? By the way, do you trust
God's plan for your life? How well would you say you know Him today??
Perhaps the Lord has had to put you under adverse circumstances to insure
your obedience! At any rate, testing and trials validate the depth of
our trust in God…
Job 13:15
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him...
It was a very encouraging word that Joseph gave to his brothers, in that
he said, "I fear God." With those that truly fear God, we may expect sound
treatment. Incidentally, how fair are you in your dealings with people?
Joseph's plan was reasonable, as is God's - cooperate with me and live,
or fight against me and disobey, and I will work against you. Ladies,
our Lord is always fair with us though we may not understand His plan
at the time. Therefore, it is important that we have the right attitude
toward submitting to His good pleasure…
James 4:15
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this,
or that.
Contrary to popular belief, giving in to God brings peace of mind - something
Joseph's brothers did not enjoy at this point in time! You see, their
consciences were awakened by Joseph's plan to bring Benjamin back to him.
Keep in mind the fact that after they had thrown him into a pit, these
brothers were actually able to wine and dine at the very scene of the
crime where they made light of Joseph's anguish of soul! But now, years
later, their formerly dormant consciences sharply accused them and they
attributed their present plight to the judgments of God. With their very
own lips they swiftly declared their own guilt and it made them afraid!
Because Joseph spoke to them via an interpreter, they assumed he could
not understand their language and gave no thought to discussing this matter
in the governor's presence. You see how the Lord graciously allowed Joseph
to witness their remorse for the way they had ruthlessly tormented him.
However, of all the brothers, Reuben alone remembered with relief that
he had done what he could to prevent the harm brought upon his brother
Joseph. Today he was enjoying the comfort of a clear conscience while
his other brothers were suffering the guilt of their evil ways. Oh, the
turmoil of sin! It is always a great relief to have the testimony of a
clear conscience in that we did not participate in evil but rather stood
against it…
Acts 24:16
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence
toward God, and toward men.
Before we close, have you always had a conscience void of offence toward
God and men? Are there any past dealings of yours for which you are full
of remorse? Is there anything haunting you that you need to face up to,
anything at all that is stinging your conscience? It's true, the past
cannot be changed, but our response to it can be! You can't grow in the
Lord by continuing to ignore your sin. Neither will your family problems
be resolved without addressing your own wrongdoings. The Lord loves you
too much to see you burden your soul in this destructive manner! By means
of adversity, Joseph's brethren began to discuss their guilt concerning
Joseph - something they had never done before! What set of adverse circumstances
will you allow God to use to shape your character? May all our experiences
cause us to exercise our conscience day and night, to confess our sin
to God and clear our minds, and then bring us to the place of yielding
to His perfect plan of shaping our character in truth. Despite the severity
of family quarrels, in Christ we can move out of our past and straight
into a meaningful present!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2003