Jealousy and covetousness cause people to do some crazy things, even to the point of killing people. This is because over time anger and resentment kicks in, if not taken care of. We can see that this was the case for Joseph’s brothers. He had gotten this coat from his father hat was so beautiful and they could not stand how much their father liked him more than them. His dreams were the tipping point of their rage, which eventually caused them to gang up on their little brother even to the point of death. Thankfully Reuben stopped that from happening. This story reads, “and when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.” (Genesis 37:18-21)
Although Reuben didn’t allow his younger brother to die at the hands of his brothers, he still allowed them to throw Joseph into a pit. It was then that they took his coat of many colors and ripped it to pieces. In this pit, Joseph had no water or food to eat. This is very similar to Jesus. Before he was raised up on the cross, his clothes were torn and he was beaten. Joseph also had to go through this, for he would eventually save the people in Egypt from starvation because of the famine. They didn’t know this would happen because of Joseph. The story continues and reads, “and Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.” (Genesis 37:22-24)
Soon after Joseph was put into a pit there came a company of Ishmeelites and Midianites and just as Jesus was sold out for 30 pieces of silver by Judas. Joseph’s brothers sold him for 20 pieces of silver to Ishmeelites. It is written, “and they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.” (Genesis 37:25-28) Joseph did not die as his vision from God said. He would go on to save Egypt and his family from starvation. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will help me and other Christians to walk out our faith no matter what happens. The storms will come and cause many people to doubt their faith. However, I pray that this will never happen with me or the members of my family. I am speaking of myself, my wife, and my children. I know that many of my brothers and sisters, parents, and other extended family members have already gone astray, but there is hope for them still. All we need is Your light to shine brightly before us and for our eyes to see it. You are so good to me, God. I don’t deserve all the many blessings that You extend towards me and my family. We have a home to live in, a car to drive, food on the table, and beds to sleep on. You keep us going day to day. Surely, the enemy has been trying to attack me and others I love, especially during the time of COVID. He has won over many and many have died. Even with the vaccine, more people are dying and I pray that You will keep us safe. Temptation is strong, but doing Your will is much better. I will serve You no matter what happens in my life. I love You, Lord. Amen.
