Gen. 44:17-31
Joseph, who was anxious to prove the reality of his brothers’ confession, had yet one further test. They had themselves set forth the terms of the penalty to be executed against them: “Behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.” But Joseph replied: “God forbid that I should do so; but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.”
Knowing full well that the man in whose hand the cup was found, that is, Benjamin, was innocent, he feigned indifference as to his fate by offering the others a means of escape if, in selfishness, they would forsake their younger brother.
Joseph remembered only too well how readily he had been forsaken by these same men at Dothan, heedless of his cries and tears. Would they now leave Egypt as free men amid the tears of Benjamin, or had their proclaimed confession of guilt brought a true change of heart in them? We can see how God guided Joseph in wisdom to devise such a test as this. The truth of the matter must now be revealed in his presence.
“Then Judah came near unto him, and said, O my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.” v. 18. Judah then unburdened his heart before this “mighty man,” recounting the whole history of events from their first journey down to Egypt, their return to their father, their father’s reluctance to let them go again with Benjamin, and finally concluded: “Now therefore when I come to the servant my father, and the lad b not with us... he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.” vv. 30, 31.
It is interesting to see that before Judah spoke so freely to Joseph he “came near unto him.” Previously he had been afraid to be in the house of this unknown ruler, but now he found boldness to draw near to him, aware that only in this place could he plead for mercy. Witnessing this scene in Joseph’s house reminds us of a more wonderful invitation: “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” Jas. 4:8; again “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them.” Psalm 145:18-19.
Joseph did not withdraw from the one who approached him in sincerity of heart, but inwardly welcomed him, longing to hear the expressions that would open the door to the clearing of guilty conscience and the outflowing of forgiving love to the very ones who before had “hated him without a cause.” Our blessed Saviour will never turn away from anyone who comes to Him in sincerity of heart, no matter how greatly that one may be stained with sin.
Memory Verse: “Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12.
ML 10/01/1967