Life Lessons: God’s Mysterious Actions Genesis 37:1-36

Life Lessons: God’s Mysterious Actions

Genesis 37:1-36

SITUATION: Joseph, naïve and boastful, told his brothers of a dream that portrayed his superiority. Worse, his father Jacob showed him favoritism by giving Joseph a special robe. His brothers were jealous of him and plotted to kill him. But Reuben and Judah rescued Joseph, who was sold as a slave instead.

OBSERVATION: Although we don’t want to admit it, we are by nature self-centered and self-serving. Even a cursory glance at the local newspaper reveals how jealousy can lead to death. We see these moments at work in the world all around us.

INSPIRATION: Resting at the end of this trail of thoughts is the deadly briefcase of envy. . . .  

     Who is his victim? Anyone who has more than he has. More karats, more horsepower, more office space, more church members. Jealousy sets her crosshairs on the one who has more. “You want things, but you do not have them. So you are ready to kill and are jealous of other people, but still you cannot get what you want” (James 4:2).

     Honestly, Max, I would never do that. I would never kill.

     With a rifle, maybe not. But with your tongue? With your glare? Your gossip? “Jealousy,” informs Proverbs 6:34, will make you “very angry.” Are your sights set on someone? If so, be careful; “jealousy will rot your bones” (Proverbs 14:30).

     Need a deterrent for envy? An antidote for jealousy? . . . Rather than bemoan what you don’t have, rejoice in the abundant cup you do. “My cup overflows with blessings” (Psalm 23:5).

     The last thing we need to worry about is not having enough. Our cup overflows with blessings.

     Let me ask a question—a crucial question. If focusing on our diminishing items leads to envy, what would happen if we focused on the unending items? If awareness of what we don’t have creates jealousy, is it possible that an awareness of our abundance will lead to contentment? Let’s give it a try and see what happens. (From Traveling Light by Max Lucado)

APPLICATION: Take an inventory of what you don’t have that is causing you jealousy or envy. Then ask yourself if that item is really a necessity or a luxury. Next, take an inventory of what you do have. Ask God to give you a heart of thanksgiving that will lead

to contentment.

EXPLORATION: God’s Mysterious Actions – Esther 4-8; Job 1-3; 42; Jonah 1-4; Philippians 1; Hebrews 11-12.