Today’s scripture: Genesis 37 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
Joseph’s brothers had three big reasons to be overwhelmingly jealous and resentful of him. First, Joseph’s father Jacob loved him more than them. Second, Joseph had a dream that symbolized him being the boss of his brothers, which he didn’t keep to himself, but rather told them in vivid detail. Third, he had another dream — which he also told them about — in which even the sun, moon, and stars bowed down before him. So their anger grew to such a level that it boiled over! They plotted to kill Joseph.
Our lives can follow parallel patterns today. Someone offends us in a deep, painful way, and we may resent them for awhile, but then we start the process of forgiveness. If they provoke us again though — during the early, fragile part of the forgiveness process — it’s even harder to forgive again. That’s when some people start plotting revenge, or sever the relationship. However, when it’s close family, as in this case, ending the relationship may not be possible, at least for awhile. So these are very tough waters to wade through.
However, there was one brother who transcended the visceral urge to plot murderous revenge: Rueben. Even though Jesus had not yet lived to proclaim the 70 X 7 forgiveness standard (Matthew 18:22), Rueben lived it. He went against his brothers and urged them to spare Joseph’s life. He wanted to rescue Joseph instead of kill him.
Thought for the day: When we’re wronged, will we follow in the footsteps of Rueben, or give in to the urge for revenge? The choice is ours, and only ours.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.