✨ Encouraging thoughts 😁
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★ Lessons from the life of Joseph - 4
Responsible Reuben
Genesis 37: 20-30
20 Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!”
21 But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, “Let us not kill him.”
22 And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.
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25 And they sat down to eat a meal...
28 Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.
29 Then Reuben returned to the pit, and indeed Joseph was not in the pit; and he tore his clothes.
30 And he returned to his brothers and said, “The lad is no more; and I, where shall I go?”
Reuben, being the eldest son, bore the weight of responsibility in his family. When Joseph's brothers plotted to kill him out of jealousy, Reuben intervened. He suggested throwing Joseph into a pit instead, with the intention of rescuing him later. This act demonstrated Reuben’s sense of duty and his desire to protect his younger brother. His leadership and attempt to stand up for what was right, even when surrounded by hostility are qualities that we should also have.
We can understand that Reuben wasn't there when the other brothers ate their meal. While his brothers callously sat down to eat after throwing Joseph into the pit, Reuben’s absence signifies his discomfort and disapproval of their actions. This separation from their company suggests that Reuben, at least for a time and to some extend, chose to distance himself from bad influences and the immoral actions of his brothers. But it's sad that we don't find him telling the truth to his father. His absence during this critical moment, however, also highlights the limitations and consequences of not being present when important decisions are made.
When Reuben returns to the pit and finds Joseph gone, sold to the Midianite traders, he tears his clothes in grief. This act of tearing one's clothes is a significant expression of sorrow and despair in biblical times, signifying deep emotional pain and regret. Reuben’s anguish illustrates the profound sense of loss and helplessness he felt, knowing that his attempt to protect Joseph had failed.
Take away:
¶ We should be responsible and it's important to stand up for what is right and protect those who are under our care.
¶ Avoid bad company and immoral actions even if we have to stand alone.
📖 Verse for the day 📖
Psalm 34: 14
Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
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Writer::::Sis Shincy Jonathan
Mission sagacity Volunteer