Reading Through The Bible: Number 85
The Scripture that comes to mind as I read on through Genesis 37 this morning is Galatians 6:7 which says “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Jacob, the deceiver of his blind father, is now deceived by his own sons.
He sends Joseph to check on the welfare of his brothers who were caring for the family flocks at Shechem. Unable to locate them there, Joseph is informed that they have gone to Dothan.
Such is their jealousy of Joseph over his dreams and his favoured status, that as he approaches them there, they plot to kill him! “Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him. Then they said to one another, ‘Look, this dreamer is coming! Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!” (Verses 18-20)
Reuben obviously has a conscience about their intention and has them throw him into a pit (possibly a dried up well) with the intention of secretly releasing him later. However, the arrival of a group of distant relatives, descendants of Abraham’s son Ishmael, provides them with a new plan that will gain them some money and get rid of Joseph as well!
Can you imagine the perplexity and pleading of Joseph! He is just a somewhat naïve, but innocent teenager! How could his own brothers treat him in such an evil manner? But soon the deal is done and Joseph and his dreams are gone from them. Killing a kid from the flock, they dip his coat of many colours in it and prepare a convincing tale about a wild beast to deceive their father.
Unseen, One who reads the hearts of men keeps watch over Joseph and sets in motion an amazing plan to reward him for his simple faith in God!
Often in life, our plans to serve God in a particular way can seem to evaporate for no apparent reason and disappointment can settle upon us. But God always has a way of opening new opportunities for those who faithfully press on, living a life within His will and looking for ways to bring glory to His name.
Stay faithful to God today friend! He always has a plan for your life if you determine to honour Him. Today is the first day of the rest of your life! Make it a turning point toward a great adventure with Jesus!
Have a great day!