Do you know that rumbling in the pit of your stomach when you have reason to fear being caught for something? Guilt. Dread. It’s not a fun feeling. You can bet the men in our story were experiencing that as they headed back to Egypt with Benjamin. When they were whisked off to Joseph’s quarters, you can bet that feeling intensified.
They knew they had come prepared to make amends. They didn’t let any time be wasted as they sought out Joseph’s household manager to confess. They had to get it off their chest. They wanted to avoid being called out and perhaps jailed or worse for what happened. Can you relate?
I can remember as a kid when my brother and I were playing in the hall closet at home. There was a full-length mirror on one side. Mom had told us to stay away from that closet, especially when she had witnessed me trying to climb the shelves to get to some desired item on the top shelf. It was on the top shelf for a reason, I understand now that I’m an adult. When I slipped and the closet door went smashing into the wall behind and the mirror shattered into a million pieces, I wanted to hide. But that would be worse. I had to confess before I got caught.
I can identify exactly with the brothers. Confess before caught. I wish my story had turned out so well. “Relax. Don’t be afraid.” I couldn’t even blame my brother much less let God take credit for something so horrible. In my case, I had actually done it. For Joseph’s brothers, they were innocent of the money thing. They weren’t so innocent of hurting their brother.
There is wisdom in confessing. Not only do we confess an act of sinfulness. We can confess our belief and stance. In Romans 10:9, we read, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
What baggage are you carrying around that you need to let go of? Is there something bogging you down, robbing you of your joy? The time is now to confess and move forward. Find the person(s) and clear the air. You know you will be much more content when you do. We hear that the brothers were able to eat freely with Joseph. Do you think they would have been able to do so had they not made their confession beforehand?
Let’s pray. Lord I am holding on to some things I need to let go. Give me the courage to do so. Give me eyes to see where I can fit in these confessions. I want to be refreshed and renewed so that I can be the shining light others are using to find you. May you be reflected in my words, my character, my very being. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
