Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “You may put my two sons to death if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my care, and I will return him to you.” But Jacob said, “My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he alone is left.
If harm should befall him on the journey you are taking, then you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.” Genesis 42:37-38
Life has unexpected twists and turns. Live long enough and you will encounter difficult decisions that seem like they are unsolvable.
Yet, God may be right in the midst of them, orchestrating something better for us. Being looking for His redemption.
When Jacob’s son’s sought to buy grain in Egypt, they encountered their brother Joseph (Zaphenath-paneah) looking different, speaking Egyptian and much older. They didn’t recognize him. In a dramatic exchange, Joseph accuses them of being spies, puts Simeon in jail, and sends them home with grain and a command to bring Benjamin back with them. When the brothers reach Jacob, he is heartbroken and cannot imagine letting Benjamin go. He says it would “bring my gray hair (head) down to Sheol (hell) in sorrow”.
What part of my story and I living right now? What redemption is God seeking and am I cooperating?
God as this day begins, I pray for many who are suffering loss of family members. Please bring their strife to peace and comfort them. I pray I can be effective today in the various roles You’ve given me. I will be looking for Your redemption.
