In the last few devotionals, I have been sharing about the issue of rejection and how different people manifest it so differently. Some set out to compete and beat the system. Others feel victimized and give in to the system, and the third group reject the system by rebelling against it. Today’s devotional is about Joseph’s brothers who rebelled against the system.
Rebelling against the system
Some people choose to rebel as a reaction to rejection. Their pain is translated into insubordination against the established system and dishonoring what is right and appropriate. The consequence of their rebellion affects their walk with the Lord, creates destruction in relationships, undermines their future, and harms others. Consequently, their behavior creates more rejection leading to a cycle of rebellion.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. Genesis 37:3
So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. Genesis 37:17b-18
Joseph’s brothers were jealous of the attention Joseph was receiving, and they felt rejected by their father. Their hatred led them to plot to kill their own brother. Ruben, one of the brothers, intervened, and instead, they sold Joseph into slavery (See Genesis 37). Not only their actions caused great pain for everyone involved, but they also had to live with the guilt of selling their brother and lying to their father.
Have you rebelled the established system? Has it been difficult to face the rejection you experienced by addressing it directly instead of rebelling? What kind of hurt has your rebellion produced in your life and in others’ lives!?
On the other hand, Joesph was deeply rejected by his brothers, and he spent years away from his father and his family. However, he did not allow his brothers’ actions to define his identity. He remained faithful and steadfast in spite of hard times. Because he kept a pure heart, he was able to bless his family when he finally encountered them.
God had a plan and purpose for Joseph. If he had allowed his brothers’ evil behavior to get to his heart, he would not have been able to be the conduit for the tribes of Israel to move to Egypt and survive the famine.
Joseph was willing the address the harm when he saw his brothers. However, the brothers were not willing to discuss their hurts with their father and seek restoration. Instead they acted on their hurt and caused much pain and guilt for years.
Rejection can create much pain in people’s hearts. If they are willing to identify and admit the rejection, it is the first step in healing and recovery. If they don’t address it, they will react in one of the three ways that I have shared in the last few devotionals and continue the cycle of pain and rejection.