Day 18

Genesis 37:1–38:30; Matthew 12:22-45; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 3:27-32

JOSEPH WAS ONE of the two sons of Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife. Today, we saw Joseph’s story begin to take shape, and we’ll be chasing his story in the coming days. Joseph plays a pivotal role in the promise of God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but —as we often discover in our own lives —his route was not laid out in a straight line.

Because Rachel was Jacob’s favored wife, Joseph was his favored son —and his brothers were jealous. Somehow, the jealousy was tolerable . . . until Joseph started having dreams. His dreams seemed to indicate that one day, his brothers would all bow down to him. We can only imagine the new levels of tension this brought to the family.

One day, Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers, who were shepherding their flocks far to the north. When they saw him coming, they decided to kill him. Thankfully, they did not carry out that plan. However, they did something nearly as unspeakable —they trafficked their own brother into slavery. Joseph ended up a long way from home: in Egypt, where he was purchased by Potiphar, who happened to be Pharaoh’s captain of the guard.

We all walk through seasons that do not seem fair. Perhaps we’ve endured a heartbreaking betrayal or another kind of injustice. In these times, our faith is tested —and we should look at testing for what it is. In science, something is tested to find out its composition or to discern if it is pure. Testing is not a bad thing. It gives us answers. And in the case of faith, testing shows us what we are really made of.

Often, in times of testing, we misinterpret what is happening and find ourselves wandering into bitterness. As the story of Joseph unfolds, we will find ourselves staring into our own soul. Joseph was a young man who had every right to be bitter. What happened (and will happen) to him was certainly unjust and unfair. But let’s watch his responses at every turn, for they will inform and instruct our own.

PRAYER:

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the LORD, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” . . . LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. . . . I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.