Genesis 37 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“Then they took him (Joseph) and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Then they sat down to eat a meal. They looked up and there was a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying aromatic gum, balm, and resin going down to Egypt.” Genesis 37:24-25

The notion that Joseph did not work, and that he was simply a young snitch in a pretty coat, is off base. Joseph was wearing a coat given to those in authority. Joseph, though younger, was supervising his brothers.

At 17 years old, Joseph had already shown the giftedness of being a good steward. His stewardship giftedness, combined with his gift of prophecy and interpretation, eventually saved his life. It also saved the nation of Egypt, and the seed of Israel. But at the time, those gifts stirred-up envy among his brothers that grew to hatred, and eventual violence.

Envy is pride, wounded in competition.

Question: Is there a brother or sister in your life, with whom you are competing? Seize this moment to acknowledge your submission to the L_rd’s plans for that person, with whom you are competing. It may be that G_d will grant that person success you will never obtain. It is important that you understand G_d has not rejected you, but simply has another path for you.

Perhaps you are successful, and you feel the pressure of someone else’s envy. I want to warn you that relational conflict will come, even when you are completely following the L_rd…or even BECAUSE you are following the L_rd. Even among G_d’s children, envy arises. Dare I say hardship is part of God’s plan? It was for Joseph and his brothers.

The point: Remain faithful, even during unjust opposition. The true “shalom” of Yeshua is not the absence of conflict for believers. Rather, it is the presence of peace in the midst of conflict that passes understanding.

“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this World. Be courageous! I have conquered the World.” John 16:33

G_d’s provision is somewhat hidden among the text concerning the Ishmaelites. These traders were coming from Gilead. The very Ishmaelite merchants Joseph was sold to, no doubt, carried that famous Gilead balm that would aid in Joseph’s healing from the wounds inflicted by his brothers.

Even when circumstances overwhelm us, God provides: Adonai Yir’eh.

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Sunday, February 16, 2014