Today I read Genesis 37, which show’s Joseph being favored by Jacob and betrayed by his brothers. Joseph was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, and had his death faked. Jacob grieved Joseph’s death. Today I considered we must be cautious in telling everyone our dreams, anger can lead people towards murder and other bad deeds, and to be careful of unintended consequences of our actions.
Joseph’s Dream
God usually lets us know what is to come, but we can’t share it with everyone. Joseph’s brothers already hated him because Jacob had a coat of many colors and was favored by Joseph. When Joseph dreamed a dream, he told his brothers and then his father. In the dream Joseph was of higher status than his older brothers. Joseph’s brothers wanted to kill him for the dream, but his father thought about the dream. We must be careful who we tell our visions and dreams to. Some will try to destroy or stop our visions. Some will consider it and may end up helping you achieve the dream(s).
Slavery Instead of Death
Anger and envy does not lead everyone to want your death. Some would protect you and others would enslave you. Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers and the flock. When they saw Joseph coming they wanted to kill him. Reuben talked the brothers into throwing Joseph in a dry pit so he could secretly come back and get Joseph. Before Reuben could save Joseph, Judah had the brothers sale Joseph (Genesis 37:26-27). Neither Reuben nor Judah wanted Joseph to die. Reuben was distressed and wanted to save the child Joseph (Genesis 37:29-30) but Judah was okay with enslaving Joseph.
Unintended Grief
Sometimes people take action thinking about their feelings without considering how others will feel. The brothers put blood on the coat of many colors and sent it to their father Jacob. Jacob mourned the death of Joseph for many days. Jacob mourned so hard that every one of his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but Jacob kept weeping (Genesis 37:35). They had to watch the continual sorrow and grief of their father, caused by their actions. We should make an effort to consider how our actions affect others so we don’t cause unnecessary grief.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Joseph’s brothers had 3 ideas of how to deal with him. Do you consider yourself someone who would be the murder, enslaver, or saver in this kind of situation?
Which kind of person do you believe God would have you become?