Jealousy is a dangerous thing. It can be particularly destructive to the person who has jealous feelings. In today’s story, it had life-changing consequences for not only those who were jealous but for the object of their jealousy, brother Joseph.
We have probably all at one time or another in our lives been jealous of somebody. Whether we had envy over someone’s beautiful home or how immaculate they kept it, to their new clothes, shiny car, good job, etc. We may have found ourselves wishing our lives were different. I can only speak for myself, but I never entertained the idea of killing someone because of jealousy. Can you identify with that degree of jealousy?
When we see such drastic behavior in the Bible, I always make the assumption the evil one is at work. We know that jealousy is not something that God puts on our heart. So the crafty evil one is definitely involved here.
Can you imagine what must have been going through Joseph’s mind through all of this? It wasn’t like he was a little boy anymore with childhood fears. Yet his older brothers clearly outnumbered him. Do you think he knew his life was in danger when he left to go find his brothers at his father’s request? Judah and Reuben, at least, were trying to spare Joseph from an early demise.
I don’t suppose the Ishmaelite traders happened along by accident. God had great plans for Joseph. Do you see the connection to what we’ve read in the past. Ishmael, the half-brother of Isaac (and great uncle to Jacob’s sons, had started a nation of his own. It was those descendants who were now headed to Egypt to make some money. Joseph would be taken away by “family.”
Boy, do I feel for Jacob when he hears the news. His sons couldn’t even face him directly. They knew they couldn’t tell him in person that his beloved son was gone. They had to send a note with the coat, what was left of it after they soiled it with animal’s blood. They had to give the illusion of Joseph’s death. Poor Jacob. He was beyond upset. I have had dear friends who have lost children. They have never really been the same. We should never have to bury our children. For Jacob, he didn’t even have a corpse to say goodbye to.
As horrible as this story is, it is only just beginning. Take some time today to imagine what Joseph must be feeling. He is a dreamer, and he knows what it feels like to have his father’s love. He has lost his mother and experienced the betrayal of his brothers. Again, maybe you can identify with Joseph on some level?
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for your provision in my life. Forgive me when I look with envy on what belongs to another. May I instead rejoice that they have been blessed and have the ability to enjoy those things. May they, too, realize how they have been blessed and give you the honor and praise. We are told to give you praise in all circumstances. As I reflect on how Joseph may have felt through this whole horrible interaction, I hope he knew you were going with him. May I also have that assurance when faced with trials and struggles. You are there. You have plans for me. You are working through everything that happens to me to bring me to my destiny. May I stay faithful and true. In Jesus’ name. Amen.