GENESIS 42:21. “And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.” VERILY GUILTY. It is there – inside – deep seated – implacable Unrelenting – awaiting every opportunity to appear – GUILT!
At the most inopportune times – in the middle of levity When there is reason for joy and happiness – unexpectedly GUILT!
When things go wrong – when times are bad – when there is uncertainty – Looking for a reason for the sadness and the loss – GUILT!
A new baby face arises in the family unit – there is rejoicing and gladness – A doting mother and proud father look – grandparents too – and there – GUILT!
An anguished face looks up from the pit – pleading for you not to do this – A young, fine looking boy, nearly a man – cries as you sneer and sell him – GUILT!
In your mind you can see in the distance your brother – looking back – Deep sadness on his young face – your share, two pieces of silver – and have – GUILT!
Daily activities – routine living – passing years –fading memories – some silver But in the mind – coming back again when times start getting worse – GUILT!
Hungry children – empty storehouses – dry hot days – famine in the land – Questions – Does God know? – Does God care? – Why has this happened? GUILT!
A long journey – a foreign country and language – plenty of food here A serious official – implacable – unreadable – unreasonable and yet the feeling of GUILT!
Detained – disbelieved and accused – jailed – this is because of our brother – Why after all these years are 10 brothers so disconcerted? GUILT!
“O Holy God, how awful are the consequences of sin – especially when we can see, at least a little, of how they look in Thy eyes. May I never allow sin to go unconfessed and ignored. Give me the understanding and way to deal with anything that might cause ongoing guilt. I want to have a free concourse with Thee always. I praise Thee for dealing with my sin through the Lord Jesus’ death on the cross. I am thankful that it is possible to live in harmony with Thee and others – guilt free. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”