Relationships in our homes
Then his brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. And Israel said to Joseph, “Aren’t your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come I will send you to them.” (Gen 37:12-13)
Joseph is at this time living in Hebron with his father Isreal (Jacob), it’s about 60 miles to Shechem where the brothers were feeding their flock, almost the same distance as Jinja to Kampala. Travelling at a shepherd’s speed it would have taken almost 3 days to get there or longer. The area of Shechem was probably well watered with plenty of food for the flocks. Whatever the reason, God used the distance to bring about the chain of events which would lead to the fulfillment of Joseph’s dreams.
I think Joseph is my favorite bible character! There is no Old Testament person that more clearly points to Christ than Joseph. He was wrongfully sold into slavery. He was punished and mistreated for things he did not do. Through it all, he remained true to the God of his father and the teachings of his childhood and in so doing, he saved countless lives. Joseph is another convicting reminder that most of us fall very short of the mark too often. We relate more to Peter and David. We should strive to be more like Joseph.
Fast forward to verse 15, Joseph arrived at his father’s field in Shechem and his brothers weren’t there. As he wandered the area, a man asks him what he is seeking. Whoever this person is, the Lord had him there when Joseph’s brothers were there, and he has him there now to ensure that Joseph would be led to them. Joseph is seeking the lost just as Jesus came to seek the lost. The brothers diverted from where they said they would be. The concept of feeding the flocks in the Bible translates into the concept of proper teaching of the Word of God.
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. (1Peter5:2-4)
Instead of returning home to his father Joseph went on to Dothan in order to find his brothers and, indeed, he found them. Meanwhile the brothers are full of hatred and plot to kill him. All the sacrifice he went through for his beloved brothers is rewarded with most ferocious hostile treatment – they considered him an enemy instead!
None of us are above committing a crime, even going as far as murder. We learn much from Jacob’s family about relationships a home – there are good examples to follows and bad examples to shun. The most important lesson, however, is from the sacrificial suffering of the young man Joseph that was more fully lived out in Jesus Christ our Saviour; we should not behave like Joseph’s brothers again!
God bless you all.