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Genesis 42 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
According to Wikipedia, The Conscience Fund is one of three gift funds maintained by the United States Department of the Treasury. It was put into place for voluntary contributions from people who have stolen from or defrauded the United States Government. The fund was created in 1811 and received $5 during its first year and over $5.7 million during its first 175 years.
There are many stories of people who simply could not live with the guilt of their decision any longer and decided to make things right. One of the lowest amounts received was a 9 cent donation made by a person from Massachusetts who had reused a 3 cent postage stamp. There have even been instances of pastors who have forwarded on funds from various deathbed confessions. All of this stems from one emotion all of us have felt at one time or another.
Guilt.
It can be overwhelming and debilitating. Like a pesky fly, the needle of guilt pokes and prods no matter how much we try to erase it from memory. For most of their lives, Joseph’s brothers have been living in severe guilt and regret. They have suppressed the truth of their sin.
The moment Joseph begins his tough-love approach, the brothers remember their sin from long ago and immediately associate their circumstances with payback for their wickedness. It is remarkable to me that this was the first thought that sprung to their minds. In fact, it wasn’t just a theory to them; they wholeheartedly believe it’s obvious!
Then they said to each other, “Obviously, we are being punished for what we did to our brother. We saw his deep distress when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this trouble has come to us.”
Genesis 42:21 HCSB
The difference between guilt and conviction is where it leads. Guilt leads to suppression which leads to condemnation. Conviction leads to repentance which leads to redemption. But before guilt can turn to conviction we must turn and face our past! God was digging up the past of Joseph’s brothers in order to bring reconciliation, forgiveness, and redemption. They, like us, had a choice. They could continue to live in their guilt or acknowledge their sin and face up to it.