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“Here comes that dreamer! … Come now, let’s kill him … Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams”

Genesis 37:19-20

Joseph’s brothers come to buy grain in Egypt. They are brought before the man who oversees everything apart from the Pharaoh. They “bow to him with their faces to the ground” (Gen. 42:6). Joseph recognizes them immediately, but the brothers do not. But, how could they?

The brothers had sold him to some strangers and wished they would never see him again. To them, Joseph was dead – or that’s the story they told to their father. They wished him away from their lives, but if only wishes were horses, wouldn’t we all ride it to the funerals of all our perceived enemies?

One of the mistakes we make when we go through suffering is, we forget the sovereignty of God. We install the bully or despot in our minds as sovereign ruler of our life. But that person is not! God alone is. He determines our life and future. That is why a steady mind in and focus on Christ is so precious when we suffer offence.

Step back and recall the story. Joseph told his dream to his brothers. “We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it” … “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” From that day, the hate train rolled from the station, and the brothers plotted to kill Joseph … “Here comes that dreamer!” … “Come now, let’s kill him … Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams … they took him and threw him into the cistern … they sat down to eat their meal … when the Midianite merchants came by, [they] pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt … Then they got Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. They took the ornate robe back to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe” (Gen. 37:5-32).

Do you see the tragedy of human depravity? But now, here they are, standing in Joseph’s very presence, with their faces bowed to the ground. Isn’t God good? Who had power and authority over Joseph? Who determined his life and future? Who determines your future?

But wait a minute. What would the story be today if Joseph had lost it with God in this tragedy? Imagine if he had allowed his brothers’ treachery to rule his life in slavery? What would have happened to the favor of God in Potiphar’s house, in prison, and before Pharaoh? Do you perceive the enemy’s plan and purpose for you when you go through suffering?

Joseph presents an excellent example for us in suffering. He looked to the Lord and waited patiently for him. His posture in suffering diffused the intention of the enemy and revealed God’s glory in suffering.

If you ever thought that your detractors hold sway over your life, think again. Consider Joseph’s example and free yourself from the wishes of your oppressor. You are not their horse to ride to satisfy their wishes. Righteousness is your master and rider in Christ Jesus. Look to him. Submit to the Spirit’s rule and let Him lead you into your God ordained destiny.