Scripture to Read: Genesis 37:12-28
Yesterday, we were introduced to the hatred Joseph’s brothers had for him. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:21-22 show us that murder comes from a heart of anger. So, we should not be surprised that Joseph’s brother’s hateful hearts led them to plan to kill Joseph. The brothers went to shepherd the flocks, but Joseph stayed behind with their father, Jacob (Israel). After a time, Jacob (Israel) wanted to see how his other sons were doing, so Jacob (Israel) asked Joseph to check on them. While Joseph was still far off, his brothers saw him, and the evil intent in their hearts came out of their mouths in Genesis 37:18, “they conspired against him to kill him.” As they schemed on how they could see their brother killed, the oldest brother, Reuben, spoke up in Genesis 37:22-23 and talked his brothers out of killing Joseph. Under God's perfect plan, Joseph was not killed by his brothers, but he was still going to be faced with suffering. So, instead of killing Joseph, his brothers took him and threw him into a waterless pit, only then to sell him to the Ishmaelites on their way to Egypt (Genesis 37:24-28). The situation between Joseph and his brothers should cause us to heed the warning of the power that sin has when we respond in our flesh and not according to God’s Word. Everything Joseph’s brothers planned came from a heart of hatred and jealousy. Joseph’s brother’s every intent was evil. Yet even before we finish Genesis 37, we will see how God was working everything together for good.
Challenge & Application
1. How does God warn us, through Genesis 37:12-28, about how our sinful hearts can lead to sinful actions?
2. Where have you allowed sin in your heart to progress into sinning in your actions?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!