29-30 Later Reuben came back and went to the cistern—no Joseph! He ripped his clothes in despair. Beside himself, he went to his brothers. "The boy's gone! What am I going to do!" (The Message)
We are invited to spend an extra day in this chapter as we reflect upon the story of conflict between brothers. Joseph has alienated his brothers and they have been brooding over their father's favoritism toward Joseph. When they get the chance they throw Joseph in a well and while intent on killing him decide rather to sell him off as a slave and at least make a little money.
Reuben it appears has been a part of the discussion about Joseph but didn't want to take it to the extreme that the other brothers intended. So Reuben comes back to get his brother out of the well and save him from the harm the other brothers had planned. When he returns he finds out that it is to late and he is left with the burning question of what is he to do now.
In one way or another this moment of action and inaction must have defined the brothers lives for years to come. Did they have second thoughts about what they did? Did they ever talk about it together after they lied to their father about finding Joseph's coat? Did they ever wonder if they should have handled things differently?
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- Why do you think Reuben wasn't willing to stand up to his brothers before they threw Joseph into the well?
- What might have been Joseph's thoughts as he was hauled out of the well?
- Has there ever been something that you look back with in regret for not having done something that you knew you should have in the moment? What was that event?
- How can you turn that negative experience of inaction into a positive moment for action today?
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