IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOSEPH - Please Listent to This Dream" -A COMPLICATED FAMILY BACKGROUND

 Joseph came from a very large family - but not a happy and united one.  The Bible's portrait of Jacob's family stand as vivid proof of the negatibve  effects of polygamy-and entrenched practice that God tolerated among his people until his Son restored the original standard of monogamy,  (Matthew 19:4-6) Jacob had at least 14 children b four different women-his two wives. Leah and Rachel, and their maidservants, Zilpah and Bilhah. From the start, Jacob was in love with his beautiful Rachel. He never felt such an attachment to Leah, Rachel's older sister, whome he had been tricked into marrying.  A bitter rivalry persisted between the two women, and that jealousy carried over to the children of the household. - GENSIS 29:16-35; 30:1,8, 19, 20; 37:35.

Rachel was barren for a long time, and when he finally gave birth to Joseph, Jacob treated his son of his old age as special.  For example, when the family were on their way to a dangerous meeting with Jacob's murderous brother, Esau, Jacob made sure that Rachel and little Joseph were given the safest position at the rear of the household group.  That tense day must have made a deep impression on Joseph.  Imagine how he felt that morning as he wondered, wide-eyed why his aged but vigorous father was now walking with a limp. How amazed he must have been to learn the reason: His father had struggled the night before iwth a mighty angel! And why? Because Joseph wanted a blessing from Jehovah God. Jacob's  reward was the change of his name to Israel.  A whole nation would bear hgis name.  (Genesis 32:22-31)  In time, Joseph learned that the sons of Israel were father to the tribes of that nation. 

Later, young Joseph faced tragedy first hand  when the dearest peron in his young life left him and too. His mother died give birth to his younger brother. Benjamin.  His father grieved deeply over the loss.  Imagine Jacob  gently wiping the tears from Joseph's eyes, comforting him with the same hope  that he had once comforted Jacob's grandfather Abraham. How touched Joseph must have been to learn that Jehovah would one day restore his mother to life!  Perhaps Joseph came to have an even deeper love for the generous "God . , . of the living." (Luke 20:38;  Hebrews 11:17-19)  In the wake of the loss of his wife, Jacob always had tender feelings for those two boys, his sons by Rachel. - (GENESIS 35:18-20; 37:3; 44:27-29. 

Many children would be spoiled or corrupted by such special treatment; But Joseph learned from the many good qualities of his parents, and he developed strong faith as well as a keen sense of right and wong.  At the age of 17, he was working as a shepherd, assisting some of his older brothers, when he noticed some wrongdoing on their part.  Was he tempted to keep the matter quiet so as to gain their favor?  In any case, he what was right.  He reported the matter to his father.  (Genesis 37:2) Perhaps that brave act confirmed Jacob's high opinion of this beloved son.  What an excellent example for Christian youths to think about!  When  tempted to conceal the serious sin of another- perhaps a sibling or a friend-it is wise to imitate Joseph and make sure that the matter is known to thsoe who are in a position to help the wrongdoer. - LEVITICUS 5:1.

We can also take a lesson from Joseph's family life. While true Christians today are free from the practice of polygamy, there are nontheless many blended families among them, with stepparents, stepchildren, and stepsiblings. Alll can learn from  Jacob's family that favoritism  and partiality undermine  family unity.  Wise parents  with blended families  do all they can to convince their children and stepchildren that each one is loved and is blessed with uniqe gifts and that each one can add to the happiness of the family. - ROMANS 2:11.

Next time; IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOSEPH - "Please Listen to This Dream" - JEALOUSY TAKES ROOT

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