Deceit

View daily reading plan: Genesis 37.30-35

When Reuben returned from his unexplained absence and found that Joseph was no longer in the pit he was distraught but the brothers showed no remorse at their actions. They callously formulated a plan to “explain” Joseph’s disappearance to their father. They took his unique coat, stained it with the blood of a kid, and inferred that a wild animal had ripped him to pieces. Jacob was deceived and his grief knew no bounds (vv.33-35).
 
The men who had treated their brother so heartlessly were equally insensitive to their father’s tears. Respect for parents is a fundamental Bible injunction enshrined in the ten commandments; “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Ex 20.12). These hypocrites were so hardened that they thought nothing of breaking their father’s heart, then whispering words of comfort into his ears (Gen 37.35).
 
Many years earlier, Jacob had lied to his father and had used a garment and a kid to deceive him (Gen 27). Now his sons lied to him, and used a garment and a kid to deceive him. Once again it is the sowing and reaping principle. Inevitably, we will reap what we have sown; this was a hard lesson for Jacob to learn.
 

Monday, 5 February, 2024