Genesis 42

Bible Gateway link Chapter 42


Let's start with the first dream from chapter 37:



6 He said to them, "Listen to this dream I had: 7 We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it."



For me it is a pretty cut and dried picture. Joseph has risen above his brothers, and the grain has run out in the land. This brings his brothers before Joseph where they have to bow before him.



In this chapter we see the dreams of Joseph start to turn to reality, but I walk away from this chapter with the thought of humbleness, and of sense of the need to encourage others, not drag them down. The brothers were very jealous of Joseph, it drove them to do unspeakable acts, however the Lord has a funny way of bringing things full circle. The people in our lives today, might be our lifeboat down the road. How we treat others might well have a direct impact on our lives when it counts the most. We should strive to encourage others, not tear them down out of Jealousy.



We live in turbulent times, just as they were in the time of Joseph. We cannot depend on others kindness if we are not treating others well. I find it no coincidence that the second most important rule according to Christ is Love your neighbor, as you love yourself. (Matthew 22:39). While we might know how things will turn out for Joseph’s brothers, (we have an idea here, he gave them their money back) We cannot count on the hope that the person we treat poorly will turn out to be a Godly person and forgive us when it is needed. We have to strive to spread the good news, and that is done through building up, and strengthening each other, not selling out our neighbor.

Peace,
Brian