Their confession of guilt and their owning that judgment was what they deserved was clearly the result of deep exercise of heart with each of the ten brothers, (for Benjamin alone stood apart from this scene). On past occasions they had been quick to plead their innocence and tell of their good character but now they fall down before their accuser—like Job who seeing himself before God had to declare: “How should man be just with God? If he will contend with Him, he cannot answer Him one of a thousand....How.... shall I answer Him, and choose out my words to reason with Him?...If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me.” Job 9: vv. 2, 3, 14, 20.
The day is coming when those who have refused God’s salvation here on earth shall stand before His great white throne: “And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it.... And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God;... and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works... And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20: 11-15. None there will proclaim his goodness as the light of God’s holiness will reveal the true thoughts and intents of the hearts of all who are thus judged.
The true character of these men before him was fully known to Joseph, and whatever they might have said for themselves was nothing in the light of that knowledge. If then the exposing of their true character before their accused could only pronounce conviction of sin, what can these men do to escape his wrath. Absolutely nothing in themselves. But they would soon learn of great kindness of the one before whom they stood.
Oh that all who today seek to gain God’s favor by doing good deeds would own to Him what they are in nature and practice—poor lost sinners on the way to judgment—and cast themselves upon His mercy. When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9). “Not by works righteousness which we have do, but according to His mercy He say us.” Titus 3:55Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5). Joseph could not now display his love to his brethren could he forgive them until they had confessed their deep guilt and of long ago against their father and brother. And God cannot grant salvation and peace to any one now who does not come on this same ground. He must confess himself to be a guilty sinner, own his need God’s saving grace, and accept the free gift of His beloved Son who died on Calvary to wash away his sins.”
Although these men were in misery of soul, how it must have delighted Joseph’s heart, as well as to heart of God, to hear the outspoken confession of their sin and guilt.
ML 09/24/1967