GENESIS 37:3. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children: because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.” LOVED… HATED. Loved because he was a reminder of all that Jacob’s life could have been – Loved because Rachel, his mother was a very special wife to him – But there was more to that young man, than to the eyes could be seen. There was integrity and good character that in the other sons was dim.
Who knows why one is favored with a personality that endears? His brothers had a bitterness that grew stronger with passing years. Their anger had an object because of the many-colored coat he wears – And jealousy “more cruel” then the grave raises its ugly head and appears.
Jealousy turns to hatred when it is allowed to continue unchecked. Jealousy has caused lost friendships, and many homes have been wrecked. Soon only bitter words are spoken and arguments then ensue –
Distance between brothers becomes so great, and wounds that cannot heal.
Nothing one can do or say will change a mind set without God. No matter what Joseph said or did they “hated him yet the more.” Envy is added to jealousy as ten brothers looked down through the years. If Joseph became the leader of them, that would be the worst of all their fears.
A father’s love cannot overcome such deep-seated and dark enmity. God Himself loves sinners but does not demand they be free. The darkness of sin must be repented of before God saves a guilty soul. Then the bonds of jealousy, hatred and envy leave, and the sinner is made whole.
The brothers conspired to murder him – the deepest hatred of all. Then sold him instead for money – how low can grown men fall! Twenty pieces of silver for a son who became a slave, Was a type of Another Son, thirty pieces of silver they gave.
Could ever such crimes be forgiven, and could restoration ever occur? Deliberate deception of their father, could trust ever be restored? God in mercy is willing to pardon those who rejected His Son, And in grace His call to repentance and faith is available to everyone.
“O God, the types of Christ seen in the life of Joseph are certainly remarkable. A unique son of his father; loved of his father and hated by his brethren. Deliberately rejected, despised by his own people. Surely this was a plan by Thee to make known to people of all ages Thy thoughts about Thine own Son. Amen.”