Sunday Morning Series - The Need for Faithfulness - "No Goats Should Have to Die"

Text:  Genesis 17:1-36

Joseph was the 11th son of Jacob. All his other sons, with the exception of Benjamin, were born to him by Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah (the last two women were Leah and Rachel's maids). Jacob loved Rachel and until Joseph was born, she was barren.

Jacob greatly favored Joseph and made him a coat of many colors. This was no ordinary coat/tunic. Many have pointed out this was actually a long-sleeved garment, denoting authority. It's the kind of garment management would wear, while short-sleeved robes were worn by workers. (Think in terms of white-collar versus blue-collar workers.)

When Jacob sent Joseph out to report on the condition of his flocks, it was not to spy on the brothers. It was a business situation. Joseph accurately reported what was happening. The brothers involved were not those born of Leah or Rachel, but by their maids. In the context of that time, they didn't hold as high a position as the others.

The problems between the brother were not about Joseph's reporting. They were jealous that Joseph had the love of their father.

When Joseph started having dreams and related them to his parents and brothers, he wasn't bragging. Just think, they were the only ones who worshipped God. All the people around them were idol worshippers. Who else would he go to but his parents and brothers to seek insight about his experiences?

The brothers not only had problems with Joseph, but they were divided by their parentage. To become a nation, they needed to be united.

When they sold Joseph into Egypt, they figured they were rid of this favorite son. Maybe they'd have a chance to be valued. Yet, Jacob never got over losing Joseph, believing him to be dead. Their plan backfired.

The enemy tries to short-circuit God's plans for mankind. God took what they meant for evil and turned it around for Joseph's good, as well as his whole family.

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