“Listen to this dream,” he said….your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine.” Genesis 37:6-7 (NLT)
Joseph, Jacob’s favourite and son of his old age, “tended his father’s flocks” along with his half-brothers (Genesis 37:2 – NLT). As Joseph grew up he obtained favour with his parents and loved and honoured the Lord. However, his half-brothers despised him; they were not tuned on to either the Lord or Joseph. Joseph reported their brutish behaviour to Jacob, and that really wiped him off their popularity list – no one likes a ‘tattle tale.’ Exacerbatingly, Jacob gave Joseph a beautiful, colourful coat as a gift. His father’s favouritism had aligned them all against him.
God gave Joseph two dreams, the first in Genesis 37:7. Joseph dreamt that his brother’s sheaves bowed to him. He told them about his dream. If they were angry before, now they became furious! First, he tattled on them; then, he received the birthright (the coat). And now he dreamed that they were bowing down to him.
In his second dream (Genesis 37:9), he told of the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing low to him. His brothers thought that this was more than enough! However, his father gave it some thought. The brothers became really furious about the possibility of being ruled by their little brother. Joseph now fuelled the fire with his immature attitude and reporting manner. Joseph learned his lesson the hard way. His angry brothers sold him into slavery to get rid of him and his dreams. After several years of hardship, Joseph learned an important lesson. His integrity and personal sensitivity led him to humility.
You don’t have to receive the Lord’s call through a vision that comes in your sleep! Your inner desire, which brings a specific plan from the Lord into fulfilment, is your dream! If you don’t have a specific goal – get one. Without a dream – a vision – you will drift aimlessly along life’s path. With a dream, you will be fruitful and fulfilled, right in line with the Lord’s plan for your life.
Prayer
Make us mindful, gracious God, of our roles in generating conflict in our families and communities. Forgive us for our insensitivity to the feelings and perspectives of others in our families and communities. Keep us humble, in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour, Amen.
Read: Genesis 37:18-20; Job 33:14-15
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 86:1-10; Romans 4:1-15; Amos 5
