The Bible records the story of Joseph, son of Jacob. It also gives an account of Jacob’s other sons – altogether 12 sons who represent the 12 tribes. Please note, even the 24 elders mentioned in the book of Revelation 4, are in reference to the redeemed 12 tribes of Jacob and 12 Apostles from the New Testament.
Beginning in Gen 37, Jacob’s family story looks like any other family account, which has sibling rivalry and favouritism. The Dreamer boy – Joseph leads the account as his age is the timeline describing the turning point.
“This is the account of Jacob and his family. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing. Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.”
Genesis 37:2-4 NLT
A couple of lessons:
1. Honest Heart – Joseph possessed an Honest Heart. He always brought the truth about his brothers to Jacob. Like Joseph, God is delighted in many of us because of our honesty, for choosing to side with truth even if alone or it costs.
2. Humble Heart – The Bible records that Joseph worked for his brothers. Though he was his father’s favourite, he submitted to the authority of his older brothers. Jesus, while He was on Earth, submitted to the authority of His parents though He was the Son of God. We are called to have a servant’s heart of humility as we serve the Lord and one another.
3. Hateful Heart – Despite witnessing and experiencing God’s goodness in the life of their father and in their family, the brothers of Joseph harboured hatred and bitterness in their hearts. Bitterness is a killing poison that leads one away from God and grows the roots for a sinful life. We are called to leave our hate and bitterness at the Cross of Calvary.
4. *Honourable Heart* – Although the beautiful robe gifted by Jacob to Joseph became a reason of jealousy and treachery for his brothers, Joseph stood out as an honourable person. As a teenager, he chose to be Honest, Humble and did not let the hateful approach of his brothers spoil his heart. As a result we see how God used this Honourable Heart to redeem the nation of Israel.
The world around us is bitter and selfish, let’s pray that God would help us to keep our hearts Honest and Humble. Let’s pray that God, the Holy Spirit, would help us to cultivate a positive attitude and a God fearing lifestyle to bring glory to Himself.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”
Psalms 51:10 NLT
Amen 🙏