By Their Very Nature

Scripture: Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!” Genesis 45:24

Observation: As the 11 brothers - sons of Israel and partriarchs of the tribes - are about to leave Joseph, these are his final instructions ... don't quarrel. He doesn't pray over them, or encourage them, or urge them to hurry, or give them a greeting to dad, or advise them on the route, or warn them of dangers. He speaks instead to the one element of their nature he remembers from his childhood ... their quarrelsome nature between and among them.

For this is what Joseph knows of his brothers, that it is their nature not to get along. He recalls that they often divided up based on the subdivisions of their mothers. He recalls that they would argue about who would do what work. He even remembers that they argued about how to dispose of him, whether they should kill him, imprison him, sell him, or even redeem him and save him. They were jealous of cloths, birth order, household status, and bickered about all of it. So now, they have one and only one task - go and get father and bring him to safety - and he therefore speaks of the one element of their nature that he knows could derail them. Historically speaking, this will be the same issue that ultimately undermines them as a nation, as it will be tribal jealousies over kingly leadership that will divide their nation.

Application: If those who knew me best gave me a final warning on my way out the door, what would it be? It would likely be about my temper. My anger is an element I strive to control, but every once I a while it still bests me. It is imbedded in my lack of patience, and my pride. It is my worst traits that manifest.

This is an element that only the Holy Spirit can help me with, and I do pray into that regularly. I need my heart changed! I want to be patient and humble. I also want to be calm, thoughtful, and kind toward all. As I seek more of the Spirit, these things will certainly grow, and my anger should certainly recede. I hope that, in years to come, others my no longer remember the worst of my nature, and consider me in better light.

Prayer: Lord, I do pray for more of your Spirit this day. Work on my heart so that it is new and soft toward others, and then can help others with your kindness, joy, patience, and self control. I thank you for what I have this day, knowing it is only from you. Amen.