Rev. Don Campbell
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, JANUARY 26, 2019: THE PATH TO GRACE [Gen 41-42]
The seven years of plenty ended and seven years of famine came on the entire region (Gen 41:56-57). Hearing that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob sent 10 of his sons there to buy grain. Fearing that harm might befall his youngest son, he did not send Benjamin with them.
When the brothers presented themselves to Joseph, he recognized them, but they did not recognize him. Joseph accused them of being spies and put them in custody for three days. On the third day, Joseph granted their request for grain but kept Simeon as surety until they brought back Benjamin when they returned for more grain. His testing of them would continue through chapter 45 when he reveals himself to them. But that is for another day.
After Joseph had given them the terms for future purchases, their calloused hearts were touched: “‘In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.’ And Reuben answered them, ‘Did I not tell you not to sin against the boy? But you did not listen. So now there comes a reckoning for his blood’” (Gen 42:21-22).
Sometimes guilty people live without remorse for a lifetime, only to confess their guilt on their death beds. Whether such confessions represent true remorse for sins or are a last-minute attempt to take out fire insurance, only God knows. We do know that the path of grace is one of godly sorrow—sorrow not that our sins have found us out and punishment awaits, but sorrow that we have sinned against a holy God who loved us and gave his son for our salvation: “As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death” (2 Cor 7:9-10).
Godly sorrow will strip away all rationalizations, all excuses, and all attempts to mitigate our guilt. It is only when we, like David confess our sins with a broken and contrite heart that God receives us (Psa 51:6-7).
Sometimes the guilty will say, “I said, ‘I’m sorry.’ What more do you want?” John gives the answer: “He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance” (Lk 3:7-8).
CONNECTIONS
1. How would you define the difference between a broken and contrite heart and wallowing in guilt?
2. Do you believe that many Americans are wallowing in guilt over the sins of slave owners even though none of their ancestors owned slaves? Why do you answer as you do?
