Sin Catches Up with Us - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Genesis 42:22,

"Reuben replied, 'Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn't listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.'"

As Joseph puts his brothers through what they see as a very difficult circumstance, Reuben, the oldest, tells them they are in this hard place because of what they had done to Joseph. Although Reuben does not recognize his brother Joseph, he does recognize that sin has a way of catching up with us.

Something I would rather not have to face is the acknowledgment that sin, all sin, will be accounted for. As Moses told the Israelites, "you may be sure that your sin will find you out." Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." And, the writer of Hebrews tells us, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

This is sobering indeed. As I contemplate it I can't help but be tremendously appreciative, thankful and awestruck with what Jesus Christ has done. In God's accounting of sin for each one of us, Jesus has paid for it all on the cross! Luke quotes Peter as saying about our Lord, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Acts 10:43. John tells us, "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." 1 John 2:1. Can there be any better cause to celebrate Christmas than this?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.