OCTOBER 2, Genesis 37:2

Joseph was the son of Rachel, the favourite wife of Jacob. However, his mother died at childbirth. When Joseph was 17 years old, he was given the task of feeding the flock, together with his brethren. He had ten elder brothers and one younger brother named Benjamin. Although he was his father’s favourite, his father did not allow him to be slothful. He was given work to do.

Joseph did his duty diligently. He was a responsible youth. He was a good shepherd who ensured that his sheep were safe and well fed. However, it came to his notice that his brothers were not so responsible. We are not told exactly what they did wrong. They could be often quarrelling among themselves and neglecting their flock. Perhaps, they were wicked and sinning against the Lord. Joseph saw all that was happening. What was Joseph to do?

Joseph could have kept quiet but he knew the right thing to do was to tell his father Jacob about it. That is why he did as was recorded in the verse, “Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.” It was not gossip. It means that he had to do a difficult thing of reporting the weaknesses of his brothers to his father.

Joseph did not take matters into his own hands as he knew that he had no authority over his brothers. Yet, he wanted his brothers to learn from their mistakes and not go on sinning. He was definitely not a tittle tattler. He reported out of loyalty to his father and respect of authority. Joseph probably knew that he would become unpopular among his brothers, even so he persisted because doing the right thing was more important to him. It is better to do right in the eyes of the Lord than to be popular with the wicked.

There is much to learn from Joseph. He was not afraid of telling the truth. Joseph respected the authority of his father because he honours God.

Do you tell the truth at home?

Do you tell the truth at all times?

Do you respect and honour your father and mother?

Thought: Those who do not respect authority are risking God’s anger.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to respect the authority that Thou has place over me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.