Bible Chapter: Genesis 37

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    This chapter begins an amazing story of God’s provision and planning.  It starts the story of Joseph and his adventure to Egypt.  This story is important to the entire history of the world.  Every person is eventually impacted by this story.  It doesn’t start out well.  We see some weaknesses in people.  First of all, Israel (Jacob’s name was changed earlier by God and now it is used in the text) showed favoritism among his sons.  He gave Joseph a special gift, an elaborate coat with many colors.  He did this because he loved Joseph more than the others.  By his showing this love it caused jealousy among the brothers.  Jealous people do bad things.
    Joseph also showed poor judgement by telling of his dreams.  These prophetic dreams did come from God, but he shouldn’t have told his brothers.  It only added fuel to the fire of jealousy.  When Joseph was sent by his father to find the brothers as they were grazing their flocks, the jealousy and hatred turned to murder.  They didn’t kill Joseph, but they wanted to.  Reuben saved his life, but Joseph ended up being sold as a slave to people heading to Egypt.  It is hard to imagine so much hatred that causes brothers to send their sibling off to a life of slavery.  Sinful hearts can do that.  They were callous to what it would do to Joseph as well as to their father.  They made Israel think Joseph was dead.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Make wise choices.  That is so important.  The choices I make influence life.  They influence the lives of others.  It is commonly called the ripple effect.  When a rock is thrown into a calm lake, the ripples in the water will eventually cross the whole lake.  Decisions eventually impact many lives.  Good choices make a positive influence.  Negative choices make a negative influence.  This chapter is filled with poor choices and we see the negative results.  I have to wonder the guilt and frustration the brothers had for many years wondering what actually happened to Joseph when he was sold in Egypt.  They have to have had some doubts and regrets.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people make wise choices.  I want to help them see beyond today to the long term implications of their decisions.  People need to see the impact they have on the lives of others.  Selfishness only sees what I want.  Selfishness does not see all the results, only what will be at this moment.  So, wise decisions to see the long term effects are so important.  The especially includes the most important choice of serving Jesus as Lord and Savior.