Now comes the reckoning.

Genesis 42:21-24, Then they said to one another, “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us.” And Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not tell you, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Now comes the reckoning for his blood.” They did not know, however, that Joseph understood, for there was an interpreter between them. And he turned away from them and wept.

After all the years that have passed, the reality of what they had done to Joseph stayed with them. Perhaps the idea of putting another brother at risk brought back to mind the enormity of what they had done before. God is moving in this situation not only to bring conviction, but to show Joseph that there had been at least a recognition of the awful nature of what they had done. We are blessed to have the Holy Spirit to bring conviction; are we willing to ask Him to show us where we need the His light and the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus?

We thank You that in Jesus Christ and His shed blood we are reckoned dead to sin and alive in Christ!