Godly Sorrow

Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Godly Sorrow
Date: Friday January 13, 2012
Today's Chapters: Genesis 42-44
Preview of Today's Message: Nothing we do goes unnoticed with God, whether it is righteous or not, so, we need to be careful that we do not get caught up in something that will haunt us years later. All Scripture quoted from the King James Version.

Hello My Friend,

No sin goes unpunished, we are all subject to the consequences of our own actions, but we can find consolation in Christ as we seek forgiveness, repent, and live for God. There are two kinds of sorrow, godly and ungodly, godly sorrow removes the distress or grief caused by sin, bringing life to the sinner. Ungodly sorrow adds to the distress and grief caused by sin, bringing death to the sinner. “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” - 2 Corinthians 7:9-11.

When Joseph's brothers sold him to slaves over twenty years ago they had no idea that their past would catch up to them. They soon discovered that no sin goes unpunished. There was a famine in the land just as Joseph revealed to Pharaoh from his dreams, it had spread abroad and was now in the land of Canaan. Jacob sent his sons, except Benjamin, to Egypt to get food, when Joseph saw them he knew instantly who they were, not revealing to them who he was he spoke harshly to them and put them in prison for a few days.

“And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food...And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies: Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither. Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies. And he put them all together into ward three days...And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.” - Genesis 42:7,14-17,21,22.

Joseph's brothers probably never got over the fact that they deceived their brother as well as their father, but now realized that the trouble they were facing was the result of what they had done years ago. This is a reminder that everything we do comes back to us whether it be for good or bad, no matter how long it takes. If you are facing trials, first, think about what is going on. Has something come back from your past to haunt you? Is Christ your Savior? Have you gotten away from God? Have you been faithful to God? Regardless of what trials you are facing and why you are facing them the only way to endure them is through Christ. Jesus will give you rest, you just have to go to Him. When you find rest in Him through godly sorrow, you will find peace through Him. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30.

Joseph released all his brothers except for Simeon, for him to be released they had to return with Benjamin. When Joseph's brothers returned to Canaan and told their father, Jacob, that Simeon was in prison and in order for him to be released they had to bring Benjamin Jacob refused. The only thing left closest to Joseph, whom he thought was dead was Benjamin, to lose him would kill him. Now, after some time had passed and food was getting scarce Jacob knew they needed to go to Egypt and take Benjamin with them, reluctantly he sent them. So, here are Joseph's brothers heading back to Egypt with Benjamin, each one probably wondering what was going to happen to them once they got there. Do you know the best way to get a person back? Be nice to them. Joseph invites them to lunch, they get to his house and their fears overwhelm them.

“And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into Joseph's house. And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,..And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth...And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son. And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there. And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread...And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of their's. And they drank, and were merry with him.” - Genesis 43:17-19,26,29-31,34.

If we want God's blessings we also need to repent, which means to turn away from the sin that is causing the separation. Although God knows all that we do, unless we confess it to Him we will never be at peace, the guilt and shame alone will haunt us. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9.

Their cares and fears were now over, and they ate their bread with joy, concluding they were now upon good terms with the man, the lord of the land. If God accept our works, our present, we have reason to be cheerful, but little did they know that Joseph had devised a plan to bring about their full confession. “And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth. And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses. And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?..And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground...Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.” - Genesis 44:1-4,14,18.

God has strange ways of getting us to repent, but when we do it takes a huge weight off our shoulders. The longer we take to repent the more guilt ridden we become, the more afraid we are of what can come of it. Fear from guilt has caused many people to destroy themselves, but God is always there with His mercy and grace, ready and willing to help all who come to Him. “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; “ -Ephesians 1:6,7.

Today's Psalm: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” -Psalm 32:1.

Today's Proverb: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” - Proverbs 16:18.

Today's Prayer: God, how thankful we are that You are in the restoration business. We, as the redeemed, are aware that we have fallen short in so many areas of our life. We have experienced multiple disappointments and sorrowful trials because of our mistakes and willful disobedience. But we are not without hope because You restore those who acknowledge their sin, call on You for help, and look You for guidance. Lead me and guide me Lord, show me how to cope and handle my situations with honor and glory to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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