Convicted

Today we see how God convicts us of sin. Though this is painful and unpleasant for us, we see that even this is his gracious activity, for he desires that we turn and repent, and that we be forgiven by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross.

Read Psalm 39

Quote from Luther: "The psalmist prays that God not let him murmur or become impatient, even though the godless live securely and accumulate goods as if they would never die, while the godly are constantly plagued and punished on account of their sins. He desires rather that God would grant him to think of how short and uncertain this life is, lest he join the ungodly and live without fear of death in careless greed and vain display...In the end we find that the best of all is still to have the forgiveness of sins and a gracious God, who will help us out of any misery, as the psalmist here says and prays." Reading the Psalms with Luther, CPH.

Read Genesis 42

Joseph's brothers are convicted of the sin against Joseph. I'm sure their consciences plagued them with guilt from time to time. What had they done? Where was their brother now? Was he suffering? Dead? Or doing well? Would they see him again? Would their sin be found out? What would their father do? What would God do about it?

They begin to think that they are being punished because of their sin when they are thrown in prison. They confronted this governor of Egypt (Joseph, though the didn't know it) who spoke harshly and accused them of espionage. Though they tell the truth to him repeatedly, they are still treated harshly and thrown into jail. Reuben, the oldest who wanted to free Joseph, rebukes his brothers. They are suffering just punishment, they all believe. They fear for their lives, but also for their father, who will be left without grain and all but one son.

The situation changes, and they can bring grain home with only Simeon left behind. But their hearts, their courage, and all strength leaves them when they see a "mistake" has been made with the money. They are afraid that Simeon will pay for this mistake, and they will not be able to return for more grain. Certainly, God will make things worse for them before the situation gets better. It seems that God is driving them to repentance with threats, punishment, and great fear.

And we cannot blame Joseph of wrongdoing. He weeps, showing his love, compassion, and desire to have a right relationship with his brothers. He tests them, yes, but he also is God's instrument to drive them to repentance, so that they might be freely forgiven and restored.

There was grain in all the cities that had surrounding fields (Gen. 41:48), but God in his mercy and providence makes sure that Joseph and the brothers run into each other. The events that then transpire are clearly God's will and his design. God is providing a way to meet the needs of Israel and his household. God is providing for the reconciliation of the family. God is also providing a way for Israel to move to Egypt, so Israel could later be called out of it.

We will see that Israel going to Egypt and being led out is a foreshadowing of Christ, who is called out of Egypt. We will see that it is also a foreshadowing of us, who are called out of our slavery to sin.

God has an amazing plan at work. And in the meantime, he is gracious to convict the brothers of their sin so that they might be restored.

"Unrepentant sin is not resolved by time or forgetfulness, but by true repentance and forgiveness." (TLSB, p. 82).

Luther: "Christ is our completely friendly Joseph, who died for us and shed His blood for the remission of our sins." (TLSB, p. 82).

Ask Yourself:

It is unpleasant to endure God's rebuke. But do I see even his rebuke as a gracious activity?

Of what sin might God be working to convict me today?

Do I faithfully and joyfully receive God's free pardon and grace, knowing that like Joseph, our Christ has our best interests and our restoration in mind?

Pray:

O Lord, no matter how high I sit, You are able to cast me down, and no matter how deep I have fallen, You are able to lift me up. To You be glory, through Jesus Christ. Amen. (TLSB, p. 82).

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!