A “through the Bible devotion” from Genesis 37.
Sibling rivalry. It’s real. It’s a challenge. Even among God’s chosen ones.
Jacob had twelve sons, but he also had a favorite.
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his other sons” (Genesis 37:3).
You don’t have to be a genius to know that’s going to be a problem.
Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him. They had nothing nice to say about him. They hated him enough to kill him.
They almost did. Instead, they sold him. They sold their brother! When the passing caravan leaves, Joseph is with them, on his way to Egypt.
The family is a good place to practice for life. In a real world, some win, some lose. Some have, some go without. Some succeed, others fail. Not everyone gets a trophy. Some go home empty handed.
How do you feel when someone else succeeds? What goes on in your mind when someone else wins, gets promoted, or takes yet another fantastic trip. It’s not fair, is it?
Does it make you jealous? Do you hate them? Do you start planning a murder? I hope not. But you’re never going to treat them the same. Not if they’re blessed and you get nothing.
Sibling rivalry exists among God’s children. Why? I don’t know. I guess that’s just the ways families work. When that happens, put your blinders on. Keep your eye on Jesus, not someone else. It makes life a lot easier.
Waite for it... 