Genesis 37:18-36
Genesis 37:18-36
“Then they sat down to eat” (v. 25, ESV). This sentence comes right after Joseph’s brothers went from wannabe murderers to throwing him into a pit. They had enough comfort to eat a meal after desiring to kill their brother but then putting him in the pit to stay there.
They were comfortable even after their sin. How could this be? I think at the root of their hearts was jealousy. They were jealous of their brother Joseph, and because of that, they justified the sin of getting rid of their brother so much so they could eat after fulfilling their wicked plan.
In their minds, they probably said stuff like: “If Joseph had not told us his dreams, then we wouldn’t have done this to him.” Or “If Joseph wasn’t dad’s favorite, then we would have left him alone.” Jealousy caused them to rationalize their sin.
When you are jealous, do you rationalize the sinful thoughts or actions that come to mind?
In my life, I have done that too many times. If I was one of Joseph’s brothers, I would hope to be the one to stand up for him, but I am ashamed to say I might be the one lowering him into the pit.
We must be careful when we are angry or jealous to not justify the sinful actions in our minds or the one’s we are actively living out. The best advice I can give from God’s word, when you feel these emotions, is to live out 2 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing.” Take your struggles to God and let Him wrap His loving arms around you.
By: Brice Stockton
“Then they sat down to eat” (v. 25, ESV). This sentence comes right after Joseph’s brothers went from wannabe murderers to throwing him into a pit. They had enough comfort to eat a meal after desiring to kill their brother but then putting him in the pit to stay there.
They were comfortable even after their sin. How could this be? I think at the root of their hearts was jealousy. They were jealous of their brother Joseph, and because of that, they justified the sin of getting rid of their brother so much so they could eat after fulfilling their wicked plan.
In their minds, they probably said stuff like: “If Joseph had not told us his dreams, then we wouldn’t have done this to him.” Or “If Joseph wasn’t dad’s favorite, then we would have left him alone.” Jealousy caused them to rationalize their sin.
When you are jealous, do you rationalize the sinful thoughts or actions that come to mind?
In my life, I have done that too many times. If I was one of Joseph’s brothers, I would hope to be the one to stand up for him, but I am ashamed to say I might be the one lowering him into the pit.
We must be careful when we are angry or jealous to not justify the sinful actions in our minds or the one’s we are actively living out. The best advice I can give from God’s word, when you feel these emotions, is to live out 2 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing.” Take your struggles to God and let Him wrap His loving arms around you.
By: Brice Stockton
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