21Then they said to one another, "Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us."
[O] This statement of confession made by Joseph's brothers of their crime from about 29 years ago displays God's righteousness and how His righteousness reaches with His grace. All those years, Joseph's brothers must have struggled with the guilt and probably regretted their actions especially as they pictured Joseph's pleading in their minds. Just putting myself in their shoes (sandals) for a second this is really a moment of encountering God's grace revealing my own sins, convicting me to repent -- which is the right response. The brothers responded to this point of grace by repenting of their sins.
[A] When God reveals my sins to repent whether committed yesterday or years ago, I need to resist temptation to justify myself and slip into His point of grace to repent and rejoice for His setting me free. And if appropriate I need to reconcile with parties involved.
[P] Dear Father, Your point of grace poured out to Joseph's brothers who committed a terrible crime touched my heart today. It's really simply awesome and powerful and yet with the beauty of Your loving care. I want to praise You for being such a God in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
[Additional Comments]
Timeline for Joseph's life transitions (source):
- He was 17 when he was sold into Egypt
- He was 30 when he was made overseer
- He was 39 when his brothers first came to Egypt (second year of the famine, or nine years after being made overseer)
- He was probably 41 or so when the brothers came a second time and Jacob comes to Egypt
- He was 110 when he died
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