GENESIS 44:16. “And Judah said, ‘what shall we say unto my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.’” FINALLY, REALITY. Partial reality – a degree of sincerity – still hiding sin, hoping it will not be known. After all this time – Who knows? The wounds are now healed – Scars only left
We are on our way with all we wanted – we got away with it again – Actually – we had a good time – and what good food! Hopefully this famine will soon be over and we can get back to normal. We got Simeon back and Benjamin is still with us – we made it.
God’s way of settling accounts is extraordinary! Totally different! He knows already the fullness of the matter. All sin is against Him. There are no shortcuts. God is concerned with the recovery of the person. Men are concerned with the event – superficiality! God intends humility and full recovery to Himself. Man intends to remain standing, and justify himself. Careless words from still arrogant men – “Let him die!” “We will all be your slaves!” Self-conceited – self-centered Until – all the money is back again – and, the governor’s cup is found! Finally, reality: clothes torn – gut wrenching fear. Down on their faces – prostrate – guilt overwhelming – confusion. Finally, reality: public confession of an omniscient God.
Judah came near – assuming his responsibility – he was not noted for that. Not avoiding the issue – the full story is out – except for one matter. Finally, reality: no longer, “Come let us sell him!” Now – take me instead of my brother. Free him – bind me. No longer trying to deceive his father – Now – caring for his brother – his father – willing to give himself.
“O God, reality is so hard to come by when I am trying to get away with something. Move by Thy Holy Spirit upon my spirit when something is wrong – when something I am doing is inappropriate – when arrogance raises it head in me and I try to justify what I know is wrong. You have been so patient with me in so many ways and in so many incidents and failures. I am thankful for the wide extent of Thy grace. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”