Reading Through The Bible: Number 84
In Genesis 37 we see things beginning to unravel within the mixed family of Jacob! He has now been living in Canaan for some years. At 17 years of age Joseph, being the first son of his favourite wife has clearly become his favourite son! As he works in the fields with his half-brothers he is shocked at their behaviour and reports it to his father! You can imagine the reaction that caused!
Joseph’s status as favourite is evidenced by the wearing of the robe of many colours that Jacob has made for him. You can also imagine the jealousy that robe generated! Verse 4 says: “they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.”
To further add to the tensions, Joseph has a dream which he innocently shares with his brothers: “There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.”
Later he relates another dream to them and his father, which goes like this: “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.” Favourite or not, this time Jacob rebukes him for mentioning this dream saying: “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?’ And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind.” (verses 9,10)
God’s plan for a line of good men by right relationships, through Abraham’s descendants, is still in place! As He begins to prepare Joseph for a major role in preserving that family, He places a call within his young heart to be a spiritual giant for God!
God’s call is a need made known! Do you see a need anywhere that you can trust God for the ability to meet? God’s call is always answered by the coming of the man or woman who responds to that need! Usually, it requires more than we have to offer, but our inability is also our qualification! That way we tend not to let ourselves get in God’s way as He uses us! Keep your mind open to God’s call upon your life today!
Have a great day!