DREAMS - AND ENVY
Many years ago, I had the privilege of seeing the musical production of Joseph and the Amazing Technical Dreamcoat at the Palladium Theater in London. Growing up without a deep understanding of biblical stories, I had no idea what to expect from the show. However, I must say, I was utterly captivated. The acting, the singing, and the enthralling narrative that unfolded before me have left an unforgettable mark on my memory, and I still cherish those memories to this day. I will be forever grateful to the Mom of my childhood friend for taking taking us on that memorable trip.
As we know, the story of Joseph begins in the Bible’s book of Genesis, spanning chapters 37 to 50. We learn that Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was born to him in his late years. As a teenager, Joseph was tasked with helping his older half-brothers tend to the sheep. I’m certain that being boys they didn’t always follow the rules, and Joseph would report their misdeeds to their father. Jacob rewarded Joseph for being honest and forthcoming with a beautiful coat of many colors. However, this act of favoritism angered his brothers, as their father never treated them the way he did Joseph. Fueled by resentment, they devised a plan to get rid of Joseph, but they couldn’t bring themselves to kill him outright. Instead, they took his coat and threw him into a dry well. After some consideration, they decided to sell him into slavery instead. Returning home to their father, they presented him with a tattered and bloody coat, claiming that Joseph had been killed by wild animals.
Joseph was given a gift of being able to interpret dreams and when the Pharaoh learned of this he freed Joseph and made him a ruler in Egypt. He predicted the famine that would last for years, and also saved his people from dying. Not knowing that it was Joseph who was helping people and saving lives his brothers went to seek help for their families. When it was revealed that this great man was Joseph they were overwhelmed and grateful that he didn’t admonish them for selling him. They returned home to tell their father that Joseph was alive and was a great ruler in Egypt. Pharaoh told Joseph that he could bring his family to Egypt and give them a place to live, so he did. In spite of all that his brothers had done to him, Joseph took care of them and their families.
Luke 6:27
But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.
Jealousy and envy, unfortunately, still persist in our society today. We’ve all experienced them in some form, whether it’s children over a toy, teenagers over a boyfriend or girlfriend, or even adults envious of someone else’s accomplishments or status.
I’ve personally witnessed the profound impact of sibling rivalry. It can cause sadness and envy when one sibling thrives while another struggles, and it can even tear families apart due to materialistic possessions. Despite someone’s hard work and achievements, they are still your family, and you should still treat them as such.
So why do we feel jealous? Why is it that what we have never seems to be enough? Instead of envying others and their achievements, why can’t we simply be happy for them? A simple pat on the back and a compliment on a job well done can go a long way in maintaining a healthy relationship.
Galatians 6:26
Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealousy of one another.
It has been said that Jacob’s dying wish was that Joseph forgive his brothers for the sins that they had committed, in which he responded that he was not God. And as we know, it is only God who can forgive sins. However, Joseph did take care of his brothers and their families until his death.
Matthew 6:43-46
You have heard the law that says, “love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?
As we know, the story of Joseph begins in the Bible’s book of Genesis, spanning chapters 37 to 50. We learn that Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was born to him in his late years. As a teenager, Joseph was tasked with helping his older half-brothers tend to the sheep. I’m certain that being boys they didn’t always follow the rules, and Joseph would report their misdeeds to their father. Jacob rewarded Joseph for being honest and forthcoming with a beautiful coat of many colors. However, this act of favoritism angered his brothers, as their father never treated them the way he did Joseph. Fueled by resentment, they devised a plan to get rid of Joseph, but they couldn’t bring themselves to kill him outright. Instead, they took his coat and threw him into a dry well. After some consideration, they decided to sell him into slavery instead. Returning home to their father, they presented him with a tattered and bloody coat, claiming that Joseph had been killed by wild animals.
Joseph was given a gift of being able to interpret dreams and when the Pharaoh learned of this he freed Joseph and made him a ruler in Egypt. He predicted the famine that would last for years, and also saved his people from dying. Not knowing that it was Joseph who was helping people and saving lives his brothers went to seek help for their families. When it was revealed that this great man was Joseph they were overwhelmed and grateful that he didn’t admonish them for selling him. They returned home to tell their father that Joseph was alive and was a great ruler in Egypt. Pharaoh told Joseph that he could bring his family to Egypt and give them a place to live, so he did. In spite of all that his brothers had done to him, Joseph took care of them and their families.
Luke 6:27
But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.
Jealousy and envy, unfortunately, still persist in our society today. We’ve all experienced them in some form, whether it’s children over a toy, teenagers over a boyfriend or girlfriend, or even adults envious of someone else’s accomplishments or status.
I’ve personally witnessed the profound impact of sibling rivalry. It can cause sadness and envy when one sibling thrives while another struggles, and it can even tear families apart due to materialistic possessions. Despite someone’s hard work and achievements, they are still your family, and you should still treat them as such.
So why do we feel jealous? Why is it that what we have never seems to be enough? Instead of envying others and their achievements, why can’t we simply be happy for them? A simple pat on the back and a compliment on a job well done can go a long way in maintaining a healthy relationship.
Galatians 6:26
Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealousy of one another.
It has been said that Jacob’s dying wish was that Joseph forgive his brothers for the sins that they had committed, in which he responded that he was not God. And as we know, it is only God who can forgive sins. However, Joseph did take care of his brothers and their families until his death.
Matthew 6:43-46
You have heard the law that says, “love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?
Recent
Archive
2025
March
April
Categories
no categories