Bible Study Online Article
When we read our Bibles, it's always important to try to make a connection not only in a spiritual sense but in a natural one as well. If we learn and practice this kind of approach when it comes to studying God's Word, it will help us when it comes to applying and injecting the Scriptures into our everyday lives. It's this type of approach that keeps us from limiting God and his movements to a particular time period or culture, for we must understand, that they're forever changing -- but God, is the same today, yesterday and forevermore. The Bible gives us the unique ability to be able to see how God moves not only in the spiritual realm, but in the natural realm as well. I'll tell you this, if you're able to grasp hold of this method when it comes to tracking God in both the natural and spirit sense -- you'll be surprise at just how visible the Lord can truly be in our lives. With this said, let's continue forward as we try to make this natural connection when it comes to the account of Joseph. As I had pointed out in the last article, we find Joseph struggling with the temptation, when it comes to him seeking revenge against his brothers. After all, if it were us that was faced with the same opportunity to seek revenge on the person who had betrayed us, in such a way that Joseph was betrayed -- I wonder how many would have the strength to resist given into an action, that seems justified or reasonable? Let's travel further into the mind of Joseph, for we must try to understand why he would be struggling with such ideas... after all, he's a God-fearing man and these types of thoughts shouldn't be in his mind -- right? It's this type of mindset that causes us to create a certain set of higher standards for those who claim to be God-fearing people in today's times as well. So therefore, when they are found to have made mistakes, for some strange reason, we use that as an excuse for us to stop seeking and learning about God for ourselves? Which is sad and dangerous, just for the mere fact, that the person who had fallen short wasn't sent here to save and redeem us? So to treat their situation as if God had failed us -- would be a huge mistake on our parts, that good cause us our salvation. Understand that although Jacob had four wives who gave him twelve sons and one daughter, there was only one woman from out of the four that Jacob loved with all his heart; and that woman name was -- Rachel. She was the one that Jacob had worked fourteen years for, so that he may finally earn her hand in marriage. The other three women, Leah, Bilhah and Zilpah were brought in as tools that were used to manipulate or gain some kind of advantage when it came to Jacob. Leah was deceitfully handed over to Jacob first, in order for Leah's and Rachel's father to manipulate and gain further employment services from Jacob -- for he wanted and loved Rachel, not Leah. Bilhah and Zilpah were the maidservants of Leah and Rachel; and they were brought in to help one wife to gain an advantage when it came to childbearing, in regards to winning favor with Jacob. To think that none of this wouldn't have any effect on the children that these women had birthed into the world, would be very naïve on our parts. All we have to do is look at the same type of scenario that had happened with Joseph's grandfather - Abraham? It was during his day that Sarah and Hagar had a similar situation going on when it came to competing when it came to childbearing; and because of their animosity towards each other... Hagar and her son -- Ishmael, eventually were told to leave. I would also like to point out that Ishmael had begun to adopt his mother's attitude as well, which led to him picking on Sarah's son -- Isaac. When Sarah caught Ishmael treatment against her son, she insisted that Hagar and her son leave the household. Now, as we fast forward from that moment, back to Joseph's; we find that Jacob favored Joseph over all his other sons. I wonder? Could this have been because Joseph was the first born son of the women he truly loved -- Rachel? Could this also have been, because of the mere fact, that between the four women -- Rachel was the last to be blessed with a child that she could call her own? Oh, how Jacob's heart must have ached when it came to Rachel's mental and spiritual suffering. On top of that, Rachel had passed away while she was giving birth to her second and last child -- Benjamin. Joseph's brothers were jealous of the attention and favor that their father had for Joseph. They were also insulted and angry that their father had given Joseph a very valuable coat that consisted of many colors; and that Joseph had the boldness and arrogance to tell them that he will rule over them one day. I could go on, but as you can see from the text, the situation was quite toxic when it came to the overall household environment. Understand that, Joseph had a good heart and he cared for his brothers; and this trait was shown when he was frantically searching for his brother's right up to the time they betrayed and sold him in Dothan. If I were in Joseph's position, I could easily understand how he would see his brothers in a totally different light from that moment forward? Just the mere fact that they did what they had done to him would show just how cold their hearts and minds could become. So from Joseph's perspective, it's very easy to see how he could have a: "If they would do this to me -- then they would surely do it to my brother Benjamin?" type of attitude. And so henceforth we go: Joseph said to his brothers: "It is just as I told you: You are spies! And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your younger brother comes here. "Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be kept in prison, so that your words will be tested to see if you are telling the truth. If you are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!" Now it's at this point that Joseph's reveals his possible tipping point? For I believe that if his brothers are found to be lying about the well-being of Benjamin, then they will suffer a similar season of captivity, just like Joseph had done. In the meantime, Joseph would give his brother's sometime to think about his terms, for he would lock them up in custody for three days. I for one, don't believe that Joseph would have killed his brothers, even if they couldn't produce Benjamin? For Joseph had every right to do so, since the penalty if you were caught being a spy was death. It's Joseph's next statement that leads me to this viewpoint? On the third day Joseph said to them: "Do this and you will live, for I fear God: If you are honest with me, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die." The mere fact that Joseph's mentions that he has the fear of God; leads me to believe that in spite of his personal feelings towards his brothers, Joseph would not have risked his position of favor and ambassadorship with the one true God. As we inch closer to Joseph's possible tipping point when it comes to seeking revenge against his brothers, we are learning how God trained Joseph to have the strength that enabled him to hold back his emotions of anger. Because of this, the power of wisdom and humbleness has an opportunity to shine through. As we journey further, perhaps we will be able to see just how powerful these traits can truly be once applied. We will also learn if Joseph's brothers will have a moment of reflection while they sit in prison as they endure a season of uncertainty?
Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty **YOUR CURRENT SERIES WOULD BE HERE** 84) Joseph's Dark Dreams Interpretation 85) Joseph the Overseer of Egypt 86) Joseph the Revealer of Secrets 88) The Seven Years of Abundance 90) Joseph the Egyptian Prime Minister 91) Joseph the Temptation of Revenge 92) <-CURRENT PAGE-> 93) The Confessions of the Ten Tribes  CrossDaily.com Web Search where you can VOTE FOR THIS SITE & other great ones. Christian search engine, directory & voting index. You'll find Bible, chat, churches, jobs, music, reviews, software, theology, & more. See the best sites!
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