18 On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God: 19 If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. 20 But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do. 21 They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come upon us.” 22 Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.”

Dear God, this will be short today since I am doing it on my phone. I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on the idea that the brothers knew that all of this had something to do with what they did to Joseph. They had carried around guilty consciences for several years, and it was the first thing that came to their mind when Joseph started messing with them.

I think all of us are the same way. It is funny to see an employee’s face whenever I ask to speak with them. They want to know “what’s wrong.”. What they don’t say outloud, but probably think inside is, “Uh oh. He found out about _______.”. I know they are thinking this because I do the same thing, and sometimes I actually audibly hear them say, “Uh oh. Did I do something wrong?”

Father, help me to live with a clean conscience, be appropriately humble, and confess my sin to you. Ultimately, be glorified in me.