Genesis 45:5 KJV
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
This Joseph says after taking his brothers through a series of severe tests. I do not know how much time elapsed between their first visit to Egypt for grain and when Joseph revealed himself to them, but it was no short period and it was no pleasant experience.
On meeting Joseph the first time (though they did not know it was him)
He spoke roughly to them and gave reason for their fear
He accused them of being spies and inquired into their family
He kept one of them prisoner and demanded they not return to him without bringing Benjamin with them
As they left that first meeting
They found each of them still had the money meant to buy their grain. Fear filled in them, expecting they would then be accused of theft.
When Jacob told the to return to buy more food
They refused to go unless they could bring Benjamin.
When they arrived with BenjaminJoseph arranged that five times more food was served to Benjamin than his brothers
And as they returned home
Joseph had hidden his silver cup in Benjamin's sack and then accuse Benjamin of theft
When it was all said and done, the brothers finally admitted
Genesis 44:16 KJV
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.
They had hidden their sin against Joseph all of these years, and they knew God was not letting them off the hook.
It was only then that Joseph encouraged them, "...be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves..."
God is so gracious to forgive our sins and to lift the burden of guilt off our shoulders. But it isn't something that happens without some deep contrition and trying of the soul. Perhaps the reason some in the churches never find a way to forgive themselves is because they were let off the hook too easily and they know it. Having never had to deal with their sins, but being assured by a comforting pastor that God has forgiven them, they then are left to wrestle with sins that have been told are gone but they know all too well still dominate them.
Joseph did his brothers better than that. He gave them no comfort until they had come face to face with the guilt of their sin. And at that point he could then grant them a comforting word.
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
This Joseph says after taking his brothers through a series of severe tests. I do not know how much time elapsed between their first visit to Egypt for grain and when Joseph revealed himself to them, but it was no short period and it was no pleasant experience.
On meeting Joseph the first time (though they did not know it was him)
He spoke roughly to them and gave reason for their fear
He accused them of being spies and inquired into their family
He kept one of them prisoner and demanded they not return to him without bringing Benjamin with them
As they left that first meeting
They found each of them still had the money meant to buy their grain. Fear filled in them, expecting they would then be accused of theft.
When Jacob told the to return to buy more food
They refused to go unless they could bring Benjamin.
When they arrived with BenjaminJoseph arranged that five times more food was served to Benjamin than his brothers
And as they returned home
Joseph had hidden his silver cup in Benjamin's sack and then accuse Benjamin of theft
When it was all said and done, the brothers finally admitted
Genesis 44:16 KJV
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.
They had hidden their sin against Joseph all of these years, and they knew God was not letting them off the hook.
It was only then that Joseph encouraged them, "...be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves..."
God is so gracious to forgive our sins and to lift the burden of guilt off our shoulders. But it isn't something that happens without some deep contrition and trying of the soul. Perhaps the reason some in the churches never find a way to forgive themselves is because they were let off the hook too easily and they know it. Having never had to deal with their sins, but being assured by a comforting pastor that God has forgiven them, they then are left to wrestle with sins that have been told are gone but they know all too well still dominate them.
Joseph did his brothers better than that. He gave them no comfort until they had come face to face with the guilt of their sin. And at that point he could then grant them a comforting word.
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