Genesis 37
Reuben, perhaps because he was the oldest of Jacob's sons and possessed a level of maturity his other sons did not have, sought to avoid harsh treatment of Joseph. Yet he was not able to stop what his other brothers wanted to do - to get rid of Joseph. For sure this was sinful and even though he was not present when it happened, Reuben had a hand in Joseph being sold into slavery.
As well, the Macarthur Bible Commentary suggests that Jacob may have been punished now for sins committed earlier in his life - such as his trickery of his father and brother.
Regardless if this is indeed that case - there is no doubt that we are to live in reverent fear of God.
He knows all - that nothing is hidden from Him. We may believe that we can "get away" with sins but we pay a price one way or another. Our belief that we can get away with sin is playing with fire. Avoid sin...period!
See also posts here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who knows and sees all....including all of my sin. You are full of grace, compassion, and patience. Thank You Jesus. I am not worth such love. I am not You intend me to be. Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. He went back to his brothers and said, “The boy isn’t there! Where can I turn now? v29-30
Reuben, perhaps because he was the oldest of Jacob's sons and possessed a level of maturity his other sons did not have, sought to avoid harsh treatment of Joseph. Yet he was not able to stop what his other brothers wanted to do - to get rid of Joseph. For sure this was sinful and even though he was not present when it happened, Reuben had a hand in Joseph being sold into slavery.
As well, the Macarthur Bible Commentary suggests that Jacob may have been punished now for sins committed earlier in his life - such as his trickery of his father and brother.
Regardless if this is indeed that case - there is no doubt that we are to live in reverent fear of God.
He knows all - that nothing is hidden from Him. We may believe that we can "get away" with sins but we pay a price one way or another. Our belief that we can get away with sin is playing with fire. Avoid sin...period!
Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 1 Peter 1:17
See also posts here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who knows and sees all....including all of my sin. You are full of grace, compassion, and patience. Thank You Jesus. I am not worth such love. I am not You intend me to be. Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
