Genesis 37:9 Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”
Today’s scripture reminds me of Gen 34, Dinah’s defilement, the brothers’ ability to move things towards healing or towards further destruction. Joseph is, admittedly, a lot. And now his father is sending him to Shechem to check on his brothers’ work. This is not going to go well.
Genesis 37:10 When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?”
Once again, Shechem is the flashpoint. Once again, the brothers will have an opportunity to move things towards healing or towards further disrepair in the family. And we know that Jacob’s family has copious amounts of dysfunction going on within the ranks. And here comes Joseph–chosen, blessed, oblivious–and things are about to change drastically.
Genesis 37:11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Precious Savior, Thank You that through You, with You, in You, we can rise above any dysfunction in our families. Thank You that with You, we are not doomed to repeat past mistakes. Help us to seek You first, seek to know You better, to glorify Your name. Guide us in our thoughts, words, and actions. Always. Amen.
Genesis 37:12-13 Now his brothers had gone to graze their father’s flocks near Shechem, and Israel said to Joseph, “As you know, your brothers are grazing the flocks near Shechem. Come, I am going to send you to them.” “Very well,” he replied.
Have a blessed day.