Bible Thoughts March 22, 1998
"And the patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt: and God was with him"(Acts 7:9).
How difficult it must have been for Joseph to accept the mistreatment he received at the hands of those who should have "loved" him. When those who are close to you do things that are harmful to you, you are made to wonder what would provoke such action. Joseph was not the first to be mistreated by those who compose one's family and/or friends; nor will he be the last. Through the years, such has occurred to many of those who are Christians. Some accept such unkindness and move on to better things. Others find it extremely difficult to accept that someone who should care for them would hurt them.
The selling of Joseph into slavery was motivated by jealousy. This emotion has provoked men and women through the ages to act in unreasonable fashion. In some cases, even to the taking of another's life. Jealousy can become a consuming virus that spreads through a person's being, as it afflicts not only the infected one, but haunts and torments those who are around that individual. As jealousy drove his brothers to sell him to foreigners, so it drives those who are consumed by it in our day to make others miserable as well as destroying the care we should have one for the other. "For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed"(James 3:16).
Joseph did not let his misfortune conquer him. The reason: "God was with him." Whatever unpleasantries came into his life, he had someone upon whom he could depend. Men betrayed him, sold him, and forgot him, but Joseph never forgot the God who was near and dear to his heart. Whether among his own, in a caravan of foreigners, as a slave or a ruler, Joseph remembered that Jehovah cared for him.
God is with those who walk according to his commandments in the present. Christians dedicate themselves to the Lord's service and make any necessary sacrifice to please him. They are continually aware that Jehovah knows the trial and tribulations they endure.
The apostle Paul found that no one took his "part" when evil men opposed him, and that "all forsook him"(II Timothy 4:16). However, "the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me"(v. 17). Paul's great faith enabled him to remain true and dedicated to the Lord's cause whatever disaster he faced. Can we be more like Paul?
When the disciple trusts completely in the Lord and His word, "The Lord will deliver me from every evil work"(II Timothy 4:18). So long as one stands on the Lord's side, the Lord will stand by that person.
There are times when all else seems hopeless. Times when jealousy, bitterness, unkindness, etc. seem to overwhelm us. It is up to each of us to have the faith to stand for the Lord so God can be with us. Joseph did; Paul did; the early Christians did; so can we!
"For godliness with contentment is great gain: for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; but having food and covering we shall be therewith content"(I Timothy 6:6-9).
Our world is filled with discontent. Men and women search daily for ways to fill the "void" that exists in their lives. From listening to radio talk shows to the latest psychology, they seek a way to make their lives satisfying and their minds at ease.
The way to be content is not found in the writings and lectures of men. While it may ease the human mind temporarily, it has no lasting effects. In my lifetime, thousands of authorities, books, records, films, etc. have been produced and sold to the public that proclaim they have the answer to theproblems humanity will face. And...there is still a void.
The one sure way to be contented is to follow the advice of the inspired apostle. Face life with the godliness that characterizes a Christian. Learn to be satisfied with the blessings one receives. Make the most of what one has...and let the Lord take care of the rest. When we finally pillow our heads and take the last breath, we can be content that we did the Lord's will and made the most of those blessings Jehovah gave us.