Genesis 36-37

“When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes …” (37:29).  Joseph’s early years show various family members struggling, and mostly failing, to do right.  Due to Jacob’s polygamous lifestyle, his sons competed desperately for his attention (37:2-5), and the favored Joseph’s boasting was the last straw.  Reuben tried to stop his brothers’ murderous plans, while Judah looked for profit (v20-21); in the end, Joseph was sold into Egyptian slavery.

"The boy is gone, and I, where shall I go?” (37:30).  The failures in our families cause the most pain and guilt, but God is the Redeemer who brings salvation and blessing even to Reuben, Judah, and Joseph.  #NCManna