Jealousy

Genesis 37

LOL - can't believe we're dealing with favoritism of a younger son again!  But, jealousy is not funny.  In Joseph's case the jealousy sent him into slavery.  It caused his brothers to plot to kill him, then sell him.  They lied to their father.  Their father grieved the loss - the death - of his son.

Now, Joseph of course is a victim.  However, I wonder how much of this jealousy he stirred up purposely.  He was only 17 years old, but should he not have known how much additional dissension he would cause by bringing a bad report to his father about his brothers?  Didn't he have a clue as to how upset his family would be when he told them that he had a dream which implied that he would be lifted about them and that his family would one day bow down and serve him.  Could he not have been quiet about these things?

And Jacob?  Why did he give such a lavish gift as the coat of many colors to one son and not the others?  Did he not have a clue what kind of trouble this could cause among his children? 

Favoritism leads to jealousy - to envy.  Jealousy leads to slavery (to people or things) and even death.  Yet, death can lead to life.  Death can lead to reconciliation - which we will get to see in upcoming chapters.  God can take what seems to be the worst situation and turn it into something good for all people.  Watch for it... Keep on reading.

And may God keep our hearts and minds from thinking too highly of ourselves and from seeking our own good above the good of others.  May God empower us to seek that which is best for all His people, according to His will.