“Now Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. 2 This is the history of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. And the lad was with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colours. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him. 5 Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. 6 So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: 7 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.” 8 And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.” Genesis 37:1-8 NKJV
Father God,
Jacob and all his family are now back living in in Canaan and he has reconciled with his brother. All is well? Jacob did not learn from his father that favouritism can lead to trouble. It may not have been so bad had he not indulged Joseph so everyone knew.
So Joseph told on his brothers. One translation puts it another way, “Joseph reported to his father the bad things his brothers were doing.” New Living Translation. So was he merely telling what he saw? Were his brothers a bad lot? And he was not afraid to tell his dreams even though it made his brothers more angry. Was he naïve? He seemed to have an easier life than them and better clothes!
Was it his behaviour that made his brothers sell him into slavery. Or was it that they really were a bad lot. The consequences were dire for all of them. Joseph, a slave. Jacob grieved for his son and the brothers had to see their fathers grief every day and carry the guilt. Consequences.
Father thank You for your forgiveness but help us with the consequences that arise from our actions or others towards us sometimes. Help us put them right where we can and not make the same mistakes again. Heal our hearts and help us remember You remove sin not just cover it.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 14th January 2025
Its a haunting melody but I love the words.
‘Forgive our sins as we forgive’,
you taught us, Lord, to pray;
but you alone can grant us grace
to live the words we say.
How can your pardon reach and bless
the unforgiving heart
that broods on wrongs and will not let
old bitterness depart?
In blazing light your cross reveals
the truth we dimly know:
what trivial debts are owed to us,
how great our debt to you!
Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls
and bid resentment cease;
then, bound to all in bonds of love,
our lives will spread your peace.
Repeat first verse . . .
Lyrics: Rosamond Herklots 1905-87
Pray for those around You, your family and friends
King and Parliament
Los Angeles
Ukraine . . .