Turn to Jesus

“Where can I turn now?” Gen. 37:30

Can you imagine how Reuben felt? Sure, the kid could be obnoxious, but Reuben didn’t plan for things to go this far. He couldn’t believe his brothers had sold Joseph as a slave while he was away. What was he going to do now? How could he ever face his father again? He was devastated. Distraught. All was lost, and Reuben tore his clothes in grief and hopelessness. Nothing could redeem this mess he was in … but God had a plan.

Many years pass, and famine forces Jacob’s sons to go to Egypt to beg food for their families. As Reuben struggles to do all that is required by the Egyptian manager who controls the storehouse, he is shocked to learn that the man in charge is his younger brother, Joseph. Fearing retribution and punishment for the guilt he has born for so long, Reuben receives forgiveness and blessing instead. Joseph has learned God’s ways through the trials he has experienced and tells his brothers, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your little ones” (Gen. 50. 19-21).

Can you feel Reuben’s shocked relief? They deserved punishment, and they knew it. Joseph could have let them starve to death along with their children. But he showed mercy instead. Love and grace. I see Reuben crying tears of guilt and then of relief and joy. Redeemed! Hopelessness replaced by hope, and God’s good will accomplished through the suffering of one for the salvation of many.

Have you been there? Small steps into dangerous ground have led to a situation that has gotten out of control. Angry words are spoken, and a relationship is frayed. A poor choice is made, and a reputation is ruined. You would erase it if you could, but distress and grief are all you can feel. Like Reuben, your heart cries out, “Where can I turn now?” What a relief to know that the same God who provided blessing in return for Reuben’s guilt is the God to whom we can turn today! Jesus, God with Us, the One who knows how it feels to be human. He has a plan for you, and it is a plan for good and never for evil. Nothing you’ve done has taken Him by surprise, and nothing is beyond the reach of His sufficient grace. Turn to Jesus. Run to Him. He will take care of you.

Father, You alone give hope to the hopeless. Please, draw us to Your side even when we feel as though we have nowhere to turn. Thank You for redeeming our lives while we were yet sinners. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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