Genesis 37: 12-17
We just learned that Joseph was one of twelve sons of Jacob, and that because he was the baby, he was his father's favorite; which caused his brothers to be jealous of him, and think badly of him.
Then he had a couple of dreams that made them dislike him even more.
(12) Then his brothers went to pasture their father's flock in Shechem.
We see here that they were shepherds.
(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.
Joseph was not working with his brothers, he was left at home when they went out, and Jacob sends him out, maybe with a lunch for them, to see how they're doing, and he obeys his father and goes.
(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.
Some unnamed guy sees him looking kind of aimless, and asks him what he's doing, so he goes all the way to Dothan to take his brothers their lunch. He doesn't have any problem being the errand boy here, and goes as far as he needs to execute his mission for his father.
Everything we've seen about Joseph up to this point is directly leading to how he will end up in Egypt. It has to be God's hand that is guiding this young man's steps. Even though Jesus will not derive from Joseph's line, but of his brother Judah's, Joseph is still a type of Jesus, in so many ways.
O my Father, please help us to realize that we all as Your children need to be illustrations of the character of our Lord Jesus. Teach us how to think Your thoughts, to have Your attitudes, and to accomplish Your will for each of us as we live our lives.
O Father, help us to understand that when other people act against us, to realize that it's not to harm us, but to bring about good for everyone. Even if they intended it to harm us. Your purposes will be accomplished through our choices, and when we cooperate with You and not let others upset us, but continue to trust You through it, then You will even reward us for what we're doing in Your power.
Father, send out Your children as Your messengers and missionaries, to share with everyone how much You love us all. Let every person hear to want to know You, and draw near to You. Fill Your great house with all of Your uncountable family, Father.
And every eye shall see, every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus is our Christ, the Lord God Almighty, sovereign King over all Creation; to the everlasting glory of Almighty God the Father, forever and ever. Amen.
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
