The Purge of Self-Confidence
Genesis 44:16–34
God has found out the guilt of your servants. Genesis 44:16
It was precisely at this point, when their own self-confidence and selfrighteousness were broken—not a moment before—that Joseph’s brothers were healed.
Notice what happened. First, their relationship to God was transformed. Before this they had been running from him while covering up their sin. When he had made his presence felt through the return of their money on their first trip to Egypt, they acknowledged that he was at work: “What is this that God has done to us?” (42:28). But it was in the form of a question. They still had not openly confessed their sin. In this later story they recognize God’s hand again: “God has uncovered our sin. God has won the victory.”
In my judgment, this is the point in the story at which the brothers are actually born again. Before this they were unregenerate. From this point on they are transformed individuals.
Second, there is a change in the brothers’ relationships to others. This is the central thing emphasized, and it is the purpose for which Joseph had constructed his entire strategy. Here the scene of the selling of Joseph into slavery was set up again. The brothers were in a position of relative control and power. Benjamin, the favored of his father, was in jeopardy. What would the brothers do in a situation in which Benjamin’s guilt seemed to be established by the discovery of the cup in his sack? The steward said, “Let it be as you say: he who is found with it shall be my servant, and the rest of you shall be innocent” (44:10). Would the brothers save their own worthless skins at their youngest brother’s expense?
Thanks to the work of God, such a thought was not now in the minds of the brothers. Years before, they willingly sold Joseph. Now there is not one of them who did not wish that the cup had been found in his sack rather than in Benjamin’s. And they did not abandon him! When Benjamin was taken back to Egypt, they all returned to Egypt. They were ready to offer themselves as Joseph’s slaves.
Oh glorious transformation! Glorious to God, who alone is able to bring life out of death and righteousness to a sin-scarred conscience.
If you are still trying to run from God and turn aside his gracious intervention in your life, know that God will always uncover your iniquity. The Bible says, “Your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23). If you have not been cleansed by the blood of Christ, do so now while there is yet hope. Jesus stands ready not only to expose but to forgive, not only to condemn but to cleanse and restore to useful service.
Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865
Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.