“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.” But Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to harm the boy? But you wouldn’t listen. Now we must account for his blood!””
Genesis 42:21-22 CSB
I can only imagine the guilt the brothers had felt for what they did to their brother daily and now after all these years realizing they have carried such grief. To top it off they have lived with their dad's grief too.
I know I have thought this before for sure, but what a twisted and misrepresented understanding of God to believe He’s punishing them. That’s not how God works. It’s in His kindness he turns us to repentance. He is merciful and gives grace. He loves us. I read this book recently, God has a name, by John Mark Comer.
I’m not saying there are not consequences for our poor behavior. I’m simply saying He is not this judge that cannot wait to catch us and punish us. There is an accuser of the brethren in their ear Im sure that truly wants to keep them in bondage. I can only imagine how much guilt they feel. Yet, they haven't repented. In truth they may not feel worthy of forgiveness.
I can certainly relate to these emotions they are experiencing.
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