The Sin of Violence (Gen. 37:12-18)

 

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 12-23-2007

 

My Worship Time                                                                           Focus:  Sin of Violence

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                    Reference:  Genesis 37:12-18

 

            Message of the verses:  “12 Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem.13  Israel said to Joseph, "Are not your brothers pasturing the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them." And he said to him, "I will go." 14  Then he said to him, "Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me." So he sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.  15  A man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field; and the man asked him, "What are you looking for?" 16  He said, "I am looking for my brothers; please tell me where they are pasturing the flock." 17  Then the man said, "They have moved from here; for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’" So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. 18 When they saw him from a distance and before he came close to them, they plotted against him to put him to death.

 

            Dr. Wiersbe brings up some interesting questions when he asks why were the sons of Jacob pasturing their flocks and herds in Shechem when there had been a lot of trouble there and it was about 50 miles from Hebron.  Another question is why did Jacob send Joseph when he knew that his brothers did not like him?

 

            The first question will be difficult at best to answer.  The second question can be answered by saying that it was in the providential will of God that Joseph go to Egypt.  God does not cause people to sin, yet God will use their sinful actions to bring about His will, and that seems to be the case here.  It seems that all of the brothers of Joseph hated him, and not only hated him but were jealous of him, and therefore wanted harm to come to him, so when they saw him coming toward them, because of their sinful thoughts about him the began to act out what they had been thinking about.

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  Sin seems to always begin in the mind and that is why it is important to keep your mind clear of sin or else it will be acted out in life.  Jesus said that hatred of a person was like murder and this was the case with Joseph’s brothers, all the needed was the opportunity to bring their thoughts into reality they were ready to do it. Steve Green sings a song called “Guard Your Hearts,” and this what I need to do at all times.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  Guard my heart and keep short lists with God.