GENESIS 43:15. “And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and rose up and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.” STOOD BEFORE JOSEPH. They stood there in silence, not a word did they say – The governor looked at them, then turned his face away. Quietly to his servant said, “Take these men to my home, Wait there with them ‘till it is convenient for me to come.”
Waiting there in fear and wondering what would happen –
Ten very worried men with their youngest brother Benjamin Sat at Joseph’s table in a line that matched their ages – Marveling if they were in the presence of one of Egypt’s sages.
God Almighty is a God of mercy as Jacob told his sons. Now Joseph speaks of a God of grace to his brother Benjamin. Twenty years had passed since he had looked upon his brother. Emotion had its way with him weeping alone in his chamber.
Recovery to the Lord when sin has come in between – Is not some casual comment or making light of any sin. The reality of repentance is not some simple words – It is turning away from sin with sorrow, acknowledging guilt before the Lord.
The process of full recovery demands honesty on my part. Making sure there’s no hypocrisy – true confession is from the heart. Returning to the Lord is not a casual stroll to His throne – It means I admit full responsibility and appeal to His grace alone.
I may put on an act of nonchalance or even merriment – But in the case of true repentance – the body, mind and heart are bent. There is no substitution when called to stand before the Lord. By His mercy and His grace alone, I am able to be restored.
“Father of mercy, God of all grace: with gratitude I thank Thee for making it possible for one who has failed to be restored to Thee. Overcome any reluctance I might have to make full confession of guilt, sin and failure. When standing before Thee with a heart that is empty of pride and in great need of mercy, I am made conscious of the work of on-going grace. I am so relieved by the words “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” I thank Thee in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."