365 Reflections

One consistent refrain from scripture is that many times bad things happen to really good people and we need to learn how to NOT give up when it does. 1 Kings 17:17–18 (ESV) After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 18 And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” The words "after this" mean we MUST connect what just happened to the tragedy about to occur. What just happened was the miracle she received of unlimited oil and flour because she listened to the Word of the Lord through Elijah. Now she experiences the seriously tragic event of a dead child. Here was a woman who not only feared the Lord but who was well aware that she needed God's grace. Notice if you will that last line:  "You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death o...

Genesis 42 reveals the guilt that long resided in the hearts of Joseph's brothers. It also serves to display the havoc guilt plays on your hearts. Consider that when Joseph imprisons the brothers taking them to be spies they immediately start looking at each other for blame. Genesis 42:21–22 (ESV)  Then they said to one another, “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” 22 And Reuben answered them, “Did I not tell you not to sin against the boy? But you did not listen. So now there comes a reckoning for his blood.” First we see, their guilt makes them interpret all the bad things in their lives as payback for their sin. Then the blame game begins. Reuben tries to plead his case and feels implicated even though he took no part in the sale of Joseph. What is so fascinating is that this is 22 years later. They have held on to this guilt for mor...