Do Not Let Past Sin Discourage You

[bluidkiti]

Meditation
Genesis 44:18-21,23-29; 45:1-5

Readings

Judah had plenty of reasons to reproach himself. Jealous of his younger brother Joseph, he plotted with his brothers to throw the lad into a cistern. Granted, he did persuade them not to kill Joseph, but only by proposing that they sell him into slavery, pocket the profit, and tell their father that he was killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37:12-36). When Judah saw the extent of his father’s grief over the loss of Joseph, he must have begun to regret his actions.

Now Judah has been given a second chance. He has vowed to protect his youngest brother, Benjamin, whom Jacob loves just as much as Joseph. Judah assures Jacob that Benjamin will be safe; he even promises to take responsibility for anything that might happen to him.

When Joseph frames Benjamin for stealing his silver goblet, all his brothers show that they have changed. They stand in solidarity with Benjamin, offering to become Joseph’s slaves in his place (Genesis 44:16). Judah in particular says he would rather die than grieve his father again. (44:34).

It is Judah’s active repentance that gives Joseph the opportunity finally to be reconciled with them. He tells them not to condemn themselves over their past sin. Joseph was able to see the situation from God’s perspective, and that enabled him to help his brothers see the good purpose served by their jealous, selfish action (Genesis 45:5-8).

When we become aware of our past sins, we too can be tempted to become discouraged. We replay those scenes in our minds, trying to feel even worse about what we have done. We refuse to forgive ourselves and thus cannot move forward in freedom or accept the new beginning God is offering us. We lose sight of any good God might want to bring out of our failures, as if our roadblocks really were big enough to stymie him.

Don’t let this happen to you! Step forward like Judah. Acknowledge your past failures and present inadequacy. Accept God’s life-transforming forgiveness. Then, look for the new opportunities he will offer you today, and grab hold of them.

“Lord, I have failed you again and again. I ask for forgiveness, and for the grace to forgive myself. Grant me the energy to move forward in freedom, shaped but not shackled by my past mistakes.”

Psalm 105:16-21; Matthew 10:7-15
--Online Christian Devotion