Bibledoorajar: "How can we clear ourselves?"

Jacob's sons began the return to Jacob bringing Benjamin with them. But little did they know that Joseph had one final test of them. In Benjamin's bag was not only the returned money but Joseph's silver cup. They were followed by Joseph's official and when found they were confronted. Astounded, they realized the situation was such that no matter how much they explained, they could not escape guilt. Finally, they were taken back into the presence of Joseph who confronted them again for taking his cup of divination. He asked them how did they think he would not know the cup was stolen given its use in his ability to divine things. Whether or not Joseph really used the cup in this way is not clear from the text, but what is clear is that the sons would have known of its' use in pagan lands. It is doubtful that Joseph used a cup of this sort given that God had gifted him with special knowledge. At any rate the men were distraught. They were so distraught that “they tore their clothes” (Genesis 44:13). Judah asked the viceroy how they could possibly clear themselves. This is what Judah said: "God has found out the guilt of your servants; behold, we are my lord's servants” (Genesis 44:16). Joseph’s test had worked. His brothers were immediately convicted of their sin and attributed their current misfortune to God’s hand of justice in the mistreatment of their brother. The brother's journey of accepting The Divine and their guilt had terminated with them tearing their clothes in anguish and asking the question: How can we clear ourselves?

This position is what the preachers call "godly sorrow," the result of frequent defeat. Jesus compared a Pharisee and a Publican. The pharisee prayed to God thanking Him that he was not as other men while the Publican asked God's grace on him, a sinful man. Jesus implied that this realization on the part of the Publican was an important one, a sure sign that the Spirit was at work convicting the Publican of his sin and at the same time revealing the goodness of God. Only through this work can one's sinful soul be quieted. Jesus says the same thing as Joseph: "Did you think I would not know considering my position as Lord of all?

          "Be Still and Know that I am God
           Be still and know that I am God
           Be still and know that I am God."  A song taken from Psalm 46

This is where the brothers found themselves. What is your self-assessment? Only He is deserving to be exalted. Only He can quiet the sinful soul. Jesus asks, did you think I would not know?