Learning from OT Greats: Joseph - From the Pit to the PalaceSýnishorn

Day 2: Joseph Sold 

Thoughts on the Passage

What do we do when no one is looking?

Here we see several examples.
First, we see the brothers choose to kill their younger brother. Not all of them – all but one. That is a statement that I struggle with understanding. This is Cain killing Abel out in the field all over again. Then they decide that they do not want the blood of their brother on their hands so they sell him into slavery. Again, this is their brother!

Second, we see a weak brother – Reuben. He is trying to save his brother. He is the oldest – but no one listens to him. He is not respected, honored or listened to. That is sad – both for Reuben as well as for the brothers. His life is not such that the family considers his words something they need to listen to. In the end, the actions of the other brothers wins out and Reuben is sidelined.

Third, they sell their brother to the Ishmaelites – their relatives. To the Ishmaelites, Joseph is a commodity to be bought and sold. He is no different than anyone else that they did this to. This is their relative, a distant cousin.

What we do when no one is looking reveals our heart.

 We will see the difference between Joseph in Egypt and what he does when no one is watching, and his brothers. One fears God. The others do not. It makes all the difference in the world. In the end the brothers have to make up a story so that their father Jacob believes that Joseph is dead. That is something that they will live with – until God exposes the lie. 

Remember. God sees. God has His time when He will expose everything.

Application to our Lives

What do I do when no one is watching? Am I willing to have God expose it for everyone to see? That day is coming.

How will I respond when God exposes me? Will I lie and try and cover it up? How will I respond when God exposes others?

Time to Pray
Father, I could be hard on these men because their lives are so out of order. However, I know my own heart as well. I would love to say that everything I do in secret, I am comfortable having You reveal – but that is not the case. There are things I wish to remain hidden. So today, as I go about my day, remind me of Your promise to reveal everything. 

I want to be able to allow everything I do to be inspected without shame or regret. Also, I see in Reuben a man that many of us fear hides in each of us – a man that others do not respect because we do not stand for what we believe. Father, I want to stand for what is right regardless and I am willing to pay the price. Strengthen my heart I pray. In Jesus name, Amen.