MOCKED FOR DREAMS
Jaime Lauze
Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Genesis 50:17
Have you ever been mocked for your dreams? Maybe they were even God’s dreams. His favor made you a target.
Joseph couldn’t catch a break with his brothers. He was Jacob’s obviously favorite son. Jacob clothed his boy with a bright robe of favor. In case anyone had missed it, Joseph wore his status on his back and shoulders. Then there were those dreams. They, not so subtly, prophesied that the brothers would bow before this younger brother. I stand by my belief that Joseph wasn’t trying to brag. There is absolutely no evidence in scripture that he was trying to rub it in. Most of us know what it’s like to have our good news or our dreams mocked and scoffed. It puts a damper on our joy. I believe that those who think Joseph was speaking with pride are only revealing their own struggle with pride. Dreams are supposed to be safe with those who are close to us.
This theme comes back later after Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers in Egypt. After Jacob dies, his sons send Joseph a message reminding him (as if he needed it) of his promise to forgive them (which he already had) and not take revenge. Joseph wept. It is awful to be accused of revenge when your heart is filled with forgiveness. The brothers hadn’t changed as much as he hoped. They let their own inner strongholds interpret the intentions of their brother.
I want to leave you with two thoughts from this. First, God will protect the blessings and dreams that He has put in us. Most of us learn the hard way to be careful with whom we share. Secondly, we need to examine our hearts with the Holy Spirit before we study scripture because it can skew our understanding.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the plans that You have for me. Show me with whom I can confide. And cleanse my heart so that I don’t put my own personal spin on Your Word. In Jesus Name, Amen
Originally published Monday, 30 July 2018.
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