“They said: ‘Alas, we are being punished because of our brother. We saw the anguish of his heart when he pleaded with us, yet we paid no heed; that is why this anguish has now come upon us.’ ‘Didn’t I tell you,’ broke in Reuben, ‘not to do wrong to the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now comes the reckoning for his blood.’ ” —Genesis 42:21-22
Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery at the age of seventeen. More than thirty-two years later his brothers were still burdened with guilt, and their father was depressed. Time doesn’t heal when we don’t repent of our sins.
Prayer: Father, may I repent and let You banish guilt from my life.
Promise: “When Joseph recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him, he was reminded of the dreams he had about them.” —42:8-9