Joseph - Revenge or Reconciliation

As I read Part 5 of THE BIG PICTURE STORY BIBLE today, I'm reminded of our 3 kids. Thanking God we didn't have 12!!! Just kidding. Really I was thinking about all the fussing and fighting - the tattling, etc.

Kids squabble. Kids are jealous and mean and rude.
Adults squabble. Adults are jealous and mean and rude.
Remember we live outside of the Garden - we all SIN.

Joseph's brothers were no different. And they ganged up on Joseph. And they did something really mean. Many years later - Joseph caught up to them and was in a position to really take revenge - but he chose reconciliation.

There are lessons for us and our kids...........

• You will get yours in the end if you are mean to each other??? NO...........remember Joseph chose to reconcile. Reconciling and having a relationship is always more important than remembering a wrong and getting back at someone.


• Poor Joseph - forgotten by his family and God - left in prison??? NO.............read the whole story - Genesis 37-46. God was with Joseph the whole time. God had a plan. God took care of Joseph. God used Joseph and his situation to help a lot of people. God made Joseph great.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Yes, this world outside of the garden is hard and mean, but we aren't alone. If we love God and follow His will and purpose...........He is bigger than all of our troubles - He will work it all out according to His plan.