RBWords

     The story of Joseph is one of the great sagas of the Old Testament and is an amazing study in human psychology.  We are only treated to some of the first stages in today's first scripture, but there is much to learn and think about.  Perhaps some of the Beloved Congregation will recall seeing the musical, JOSEPH AND HIS AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT!

 

     The fundamental human element in the first part of the story is jealousy!  Jacob seems completely unaware that his favoritism toward Joseph, "the child of his old age," is a cause for intense resentment and jealousy on the part of his eleven older brothers.  Joseph also seems unaware that his bragging about his dreams of being "over" his brothers only contributes to their bad feelings.  The fact that these dreams are prophetic becomes known only later on in the story.  Joseph naively gives his brothers a chance to wreak revenge.  His brothers sell him into slavery.  [There is some confusion in the text because apparently the biblical author had more than one version of the story to work with:  one with Reuben and Midianites and one with Judah and Ishmaelites.]  The brothers are not being hypocritical in saying, "After all he is our brother, our own flesh."  They could be bringing down the wrath of God and the family on themselves if they kill Joseph!  We might remember Cain and Abel in this context!

 

     Parental weakness or perceived favoritiesm, lethal jealousy, sibling rivalry - these are the stuff of human drama.  Many of us have experiences of these failings.  Perhaps the story of Joseph [read the whole thing!] can challenge us to know how these weaknesses may be at work in ourselves first and then in understanding mercifully the trials of others!  AMEN