Daily PresenceSample

Middle school is tough. Many things are changing in a person's life from hormones, relationship problems, and just plain figuring out the process of growing up. If you have a middle schooler or can remember back far enough you can probably agree. Many moons ago when I was in middle school I had an opportunity to visit the principal’s office. It was not a pleasant experience and ended with me being reprimanded, paddled, and sent back to class.

I remember running to Walmart or the local grocery store on occasion with my mother after this incident and “running into” the middle school principal. Nothing was ever mentioned of my wrongdoings or the disciplinary action taken, however, I lived in constant fear that the next time we ran into him in the store he would tell all, and I would have to relive the experience all over again. It was worse than the punishment itself.

In Genesis chapter 42 Joseph’s brothers run into a similar situation. They have been living for years with the knowledge of what they really did to their brother and upon being put in prison in Egypt they spoke among themselves. Gen. 42:21 “Speaking among themselves, they said, “Clearly we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn’t listen. That’s why we are in this trouble.” Not yet knowing that it was Joseph himself that had them put into prison and was playing with their emotions.

Thank God that as Christians we live covered by the blood of Jesus. The sacrifice that he made paid the price for all of our trips to the principal's office and any that may come in the future. We don’t have to live in fear, guilt, or shame-our God has made a way for us to be free through the gift of his only son. This is also a reminder to us that the freedom we now have is also our motivation for living a life that honors and gives glory to God, living free and clear with the gift of salvation through Jesus.