How does Reuben's statement connect to the principle of accountability in Scripture? The Setting in Egypt Genesis 42:22: “Reuben replied, ‘Did I not tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen! Now we must account for his blood.’” What Reuben Recognizes • Sin has real, measurable consequences. • The brothers’ guilt over Joseph has followed them for more than twenty years. • Accountability is unavoidable—Reuben uses courtroom language: “we must account.” Accountability in the Pentateuch • Genesis 9:5–6—God requires “a reckoning for the life of his fellow man.” • Numbers 32:23—“Be sure your sin will find you out.” • Deuteronomy 24:16—Each person is responsible for his own sin. Echoes in Wisdom and Prophets • Psalm 62:12—God “repays each man according to his work.” • Proverbs 5:21—“All a man’s ways are before the LORD, and He considers all his paths.” • Ezekiel 18:20—“The soul who sins is the one who will die.” Accountability in the New Testament • Luke 12:2–3—“Nothing concealed that will not be disclosed.” • Romans 14:12—“Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” • 2 Corinthians 5:10—Believers appear before Christ’s judgment seat to receive what is due. • Galatians 6:7—“God is not mocked; whatever a man sows, he will reap.” How Reuben’s Warning Illustrates the Principle • Conscience: Their hearts testify against them (Romans 2:15). • Community: One brother’s sin implicates the whole family; sin’s fallout is never isolated. • Consequence: Even hidden acts resurface; divine justice requires payment. Living It Out Today • Take sin seriously the first time; heed godly warnings. • Confess quickly—delay only deepens consequences (1 John 1:9). • Practice mutual accountability within the body of Christ (James 5:16). • Rest in Christ’s atonement; He paid the ultimate “account” for those who trust Him (Colossians 2:13–14). |
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