Message summary: Today let us heed the words of Paul: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15,16).

Listen to our message on your audio player.

"When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life," he said. "Don't shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the desert, but don't lay a hand on him." Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father" (Genesis 37:21,22).

When considering the word Reuben for many the first thing that comes to mind is a tasty sandwich. Many years ago we visited New York City with some friends, Lee and Pam Smucker, and rode our bikes right through the big, busy city. It was an interesting experience but not nearly as peaceful as riding on our many rails to trails. Brooksyne especially recalls how harrowing the traffic was and how frightened she was! A highlight was eating dinner at Katz's famous deli in lower Manhattan where we split a huge Reuben sandwich. I especially like pastrami so it was real treat!

As to how this sauerkraut/pastrami sandwich got the name Reuben is unclear but it likely originated in New York City and in the most credible account I read, it was named after a deli owner named Reuben. Reuben's Restaurant and Delicatessen was a restaurant and Jewish deli in Manhattan, New York City founded by Arnold Reuben. (Brooksyne noticed her tag sticking out when I posted this. She's the one with dark hair at that time. The way to see a tag sticking out is to be photographed from the back.)

It is likely that Reuben, the deli owner, was named after the oldest son of Jacob in the Bible. Reuben means "behold, a son". In our area the Amish often use less familiar Bible-based names such Reuben.

In Genesis 37 Joseph's jealous brothers were determined to "do him in" once and for all. Yet his oldest brother Reuben stood up to do the right thing by coming to his  defense. The latter part of the daily text makes Reuben's motives clear, an intent to rescue Joseph and take him back to his father.

In his book "The Invisible Hand", theologian R. C. Sproul points out that "the doctrine of concurrence refers to historical events in which the work of Providence has been acted out through human agencies. That means at the same time human agents are acting, God is acting in and through them."

The "human agent" God worked through in this case was Reuben who saved Joseph's life, although his intent to take him back to his father did not materialize (for God had another plan).

Each of us will all at times need people in our life like Reuben.

I look back over my life and share one example that might especially encourage my pastor friends. In the mid-nineties, several years after assuming the pastorate of the church I served in New England, a group rose up to oppose my ministry. It was a painful time culminating with a business meeting where my attackers had their say and I faced a vicious assault.

It was really, as most church conflicts are, much ado about nothing. After days of fervent prayer in regard to this meeting I chose not to speak out on my behalf but remained silent during the attacker's onslaught of accusations, none of them true.  A number of members graciously spoke on my behalf, and I especially recall one devoted brother who stood and spoke out in my defense while tears filled his eyes.  It was the first time I'd seen him release his emotions in such a way and it was on my behalf. He was one of those "Reubens" who brought me much comfort in a very uncomfortable setting and we remain friends to this day.

We need to understand that God is active in even the most seemingly difficult experiences we go through.  Reuben spoke out and made the most of an opportunity and we should do the same.  When Reuben acted on this occasion do you think he had the slightest notion that his small brotherly act would be recorded for all to read nearly 3,900 years later?

We all need to seek opportunities to be like Reuben.

Remember that God is still working in the difficult times and waiting periods (it may be years such as Joseph experienced). We try to figure out how it will work out, but God works in mysterious ways to perform His wonders in our lives and even in those He might use to come to our aid in particular situations. Today let us heed the words of Paul: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15,16).

Be encouraged today!  Hebrews 3:13