Yes jealousy is a breeding ground for hatredness. I can only imagine how Joseph felt when his brothers threw him in the cistern and then when they sold him to the Ishmaelites. I'm sure he was screaming and yelling and confused the whole time. I’m sure he was begging them not to sell him. And probably yelling as the Caravan drove away. I'm sure guilt came over the brothers. It seems that when hatred builds within us, then we have the urge to try and take care of the hate. We think we will feel better when we do something ill to somebody else. More often than not we end up feeling guilty. Then we end up carry this guilt with us. It is best to deal with the jealousy immediately before it builds to hate and results in something we will regret.
Daily Bible Challenge: Day 37-Genesis 37
Jealousy certainly is an ugly thing and we see how it can lead to devastating results if not handled properly. I was thinking more about Jacob as I read this chapter today. He had been his mother’s favorite son and now he has gone down the same path with also having a favorite son that he treated better than all of the others. Joseph was a younger brother like himself and of course he was the son of the sister that he really loved and wasn’t tricked into marrying so I can see why he would be Jacob’s favorite. Jacob had tricked his old Dad many years ago and now he is the one who is tricked by his sons. He is so extremely sad when he thinks that Joseph has died. I think he may have even blamed himself for what happened since he was the one who had sent Joseph to go check on his brothers. Imagine the guilt that Joseph’s brothers must have had to deal with as they would have to continually live with their lie and see their father’s condition everyday. It won’t be until years later that they get freed from their misery. I’m reminded of what Jesus said in John 8:32, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The parody for today is called Makes Me Cranky.
I hope you enjoy the video. Here’s the link.
https://youtu.be/IDNuV0ppgYE
12 chapters of Genesis are devoted to Joseph’s story. God certainly has some lessons in mind for us here. Controlling our jealousy before it causes even greater sins is certainly the first one. Joseph’s story paints a picture of Jesus for us – with insights, prophesies, and an understanding of His nature. From being about his father’s business (letting his father know when the sons weren’t taking care of flock properly), telling the truth even if it wasn’t what others wanted to hear (the dreams), sent to a worldly place (Shechem, Egypt), seeking his (lost) brothers, stripped of his coat, sold for silver to people who would mistreat him (slave traders), but eventually emerging as a victor.
Joseph is one of only two men with no mention of sin in the Old Testament. The other is Daniel. May our lives be like the greater-than-Joseph, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sorry – I meant to add that the coat of many colors can also be translated coat of many pieces – or a sleeved coat. In those days, working men wore sleeveless vests because sleeves could get in the way. A sleeved coat was only worn by a boss or one in authority. So the message to Joseph’s brothers was clear and deeply resented.
Sorry – I meant to add that the coat of many colors can also be translated as many pieces … in other words, it had sleeves. Most working men at that time had vests without sleeves so they would not get in the way of their work. The sleeves signified a boss. I think that gives more insight to the resentment of Joseph’s brothers.
oops – duplicate that I didn’t think worked the first time.
Maybe Joseph didn’t scream , maybe he stayed calm, like Jeanine said, he is not mentioned sinning , God was with him,
And Jim hits the nail on the head with the favorites with Jacob and his mom,
I am so thankful I am part of this group. You guys blow me away with your knowledge and insight
I’m learning a lot from you
God is working in my life
Brian I agree with you, I learn so much from Blair, Jeanine, and Jim. God is revealing things to me through His word that I had never known before.
Thank you all for your help in learning and leading a life aligned to the word!