Struggling with Pride and Jealousy

MEMORY SELECTION: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly.” —I Corinthians 13:4-5

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Genesis 37

THE thirty-seventh chapter of Genesis reveals some of the experiences encountered by Joseph, the dominant figure. As he grew up, his brothers became increasingly resentful, and jealous of him. This we know was because he was his father’s favorite son, a son of Jacob’s favorite wife, and the recipient of many special favors and gifts. Another reason was, perhaps, that Joseph was of a more gentle nature, more like his mother Rachel, than were his brothers.

In any event, Joseph was a dreamer, as the Scriptures indicate. In one of his dreams he saw a wheat field in which there were twelve sheaves, one of which arose and stood upright while the others fell before it in homage and respect. When he innocently told his brothers about the dream they became even more jealous of him, as might be expected under the circumstances. Another of his dreams, in which he saw the sun, the moon, and the stars all bowing to one particular star, and which was interpreted as meaning that the whole family would one day bow to him, enkindled the anger not only of his brothers, but of his father as well. After all, they must have reasoned, who does this youth think he is?

We recall from the previous lesson that Jacob, Joseph’s father, had also had dreams, and had, in fact, made a monument where his dream of special favor had occurred—and he named the place Bethel. Perhaps Jacob overlooked any relationship that these two sets of dreams had as being an evidence of coming from the same God. There are, of course, lessons to be learned in both occurrences.

There are indeed certain elements in Joseph’s life which indicate that he was a type of our Lord, being the father’s beloved son, rejected by his brethren, sold for a few pieces of silver, and being delivered for envy. In a larger sense he no doubt represented all the body members of Christ’s church, who have shared to some degree in the sufferings of the Head.

Except for Reuben, Joseph’s brothers showed no mercy in their plot to kill him. The account tells of the conspiracy which would have succeeded, but it is apparent that God intervened on the part of Joseph. When they saw him approaching from a distance they said (37:20), “Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” Reuben, on the other hand, did not want to see his brother killed and offered a plea in behalf of Joseph. The account continues (37:21,22): “and Reuben heard it, and he delivered him [Joseph] out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them [his other ten brothers], Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.”

Joseph owed his life to the merciful motives of his brother Reuben. And are there not too few Reubens in the world today to stem the overwhelming tide of human passion and depravity? It is remarkable indeed the extent to which sin will go if unchecked. How few there are who heed the admonition of the Apostle Paul in the sentiments of our memory verse. Charity (love) is manifested by patience, kindness, generosity, and humility. And as the apostle explains, it is courteous, unselfish, good-tempered, sincere, and righteous.

In the not too distant future, we believe, when the Sun of Righteousness arises with healing in his wings the whole world will learn righteousness and the true meaning of the apostle’s explanation of love. At that time Joseph’s brothers, too, will be brought forth from the grave and will be given an opportunity to learn the ways of the Lord—under more favorable circumstances than the present world can ever hope to offer. We look forward to that glorious time when the kingdom of peace brings blessings to all the families of men!

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