Joseph Forgives and the Chain Of Bitterness Shatters Part 1

“My heir!”
The Bedouin gazes at the crumpled face of the tiny creature in his arms. He leans forward and plants a kiss on his forehead.
Strangely, he hadn’t felt such strong emotions when Leah’s babies were born, or when his concubines Bilhah and Zilpah had given birth. Those women had satisfied his sexual desires but now Jacob smiles as he remembers the pure joy of intimacy with Rachel, his chosen wife, his beloved.
Not much time passes before the other ten sons are aware that this new brother has a special place in his father’s heart; they are annoyed. As they see their father’s preference for little Joseph, seeds of envy find fertile soil in the hearts of Simeon, Naphtali, Asher and all the rest.
“Who do you think you are?”
“You have no say here.”
“Yes I did do it. So what? Ya gonna tell dad?”
It’s obvious. Both words and actions shout: “Joseph we don’t like you!”
Little Joseph gets his own back taking tales to his father.
“Daddy, ya know what Judah did? He hit a goat with a stick.”
“Dad, Gad tripped me up. Aren’t you gonna tell him off?”
As the boys grow, the childish complaints turn into grievances and accusations that demonstrate inconformity, hate and bitterness.

*** *** ***

The atmosphere is tense. The midday heat envelopes the group of Bedouin men squatting in the sparse shade of a tree. Around them their sheep move restlessly, baa-ing their protests at the temperature, while the men give free rein to their displeasure.
“Did you see the brat this morning?”
“It’s beyond belief.”
“It’s the last straw.”
That morning the old man Jacob had called his favourite son and presented him with a tunic. It’s the tunic that is the subject of the conversation under the tree at midday.
“Hey Levi, did you see the tunic?”
“Sure did. It’s clear evidence. Father has made him the heir.”
“But I’m the firstborn. The tunic belongs to me.” Reuben spits on the sand. “Did you see the sleeves?”
“Yeah, and well pointed,” replies Simeon. “Just you wait; I’ll sort this one out.”
Angrily Simeon leaps to his feet, and clenches his fists. Hoping to see his youngest brother, he glances over to the tents. Vengeance runs through his veins. The truth of the matter is, Reuben has a right to the tunic.
Every Bedouin knows that a tunic that has long pointed sleeves is the gift reserved for the heir. From that day on the situation between the brothers gets worse; they stop speaking to Joseph. Hatred rears its repulsive head.
One morning Joseph tells the family his strange dream where they all revere him. When a few days later he shares another similar dream, their hatred explodes. Even his father is annoyed and reprimands him, then quietly thinks over the implications. Without a doubt, Joseph is different.

*** *** ***

One day Jacob sends Joseph to visit his brothers who are caring for the flocks in Shechem, little imagining that that very day his sons will retaliate against his favourite boy.
Joseph’s brothers see him coming and make their cruel plans to kill him.
Reuben doesn’t agree. Rather than kill him he suggests throwing him down an empty well.
Joseph arrives and like a pack of hungry lions the men fall on him and rip his tunic off him. Grunting and swearing they throw him into the dry well as planned, then satisfied, sit down to enjoy the food their father has sent them.
“Usurper. That’s your rightful place.”
“Spoiled brat. At last we’re rid of him.”
“Hey, folks! A caravan’s coming. Looks like they’re Ishmaelites.” Judah has a bright idea. “Let’s sell him!”
The next few minutes are a nightmare for Joseph. From the bottom of the pit he is aware of shouting and laughter mixed with the loud complaining of camels. Looking up he sees mocking faces and barely misses being hit by a rope flung down. He grabs it and is hauled unceremoniously to the surface where he collapses. A violent kick brings him dizzily to his feet.
“Stand up idiot.”
He looks around and the vice of fear grabs his heart. Something terrible is about to take place. He feels a slimy liquid on his shoulder and swings round to come face to face with a ferocious camel. Its breath nauseates him; its saliva revolts him. He steps back and hangs his head.
Incredulous he listens as the crowd negotiates his life. Amid a heated exchange of words interspersed with oaths, the deal is clinched with twenty silver coins.
Wounded. Betrayed. Sold.
His brothers turn away; the Ishmaelite traders tie his hands and push him towards the caravan. The camel looks on disdainfully and spits again.

*** *** ***

After a humiliating experience in the slave market Joseph arrives at Pharaoh’s palace.
The following years bring bitter experiences including a prolonged prison sentence. Victim of a blatant lie, it would be easy to allow this to embitter his heart.
Sitting among the other prisoners Joseph faces a decision: allow himself to become bitter or live in God’s presence. Yes, God was with him, the same as he had been with his great uncle Ishmael. His decision would influence his future: recognize God’s mercy in spite of his adverse circumstances or fill his heart with hatred and vengeance for those who had judged him unjustly.
Joseph closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. The decision is made. Immediately his spirit is freed from the prison of bitterness. He chooses to recognize God’s presence in his life. He opens his eyes and no longer sees prison walls; he sees an opportunity to experience true freedom, the sweet nearness of a powerful loving God. He turns and smiles at the prisoner slouching beside him, then gets up to look for the prison warder.
“Sir, how can I help you”?
The free prisoner gives of his best, goes the second mile, and stands out as responsible, honest and kind. Soon the warder puts him in charge of all the prisoners.
Joseph’s prison sentence stretches on. Forgotten by a fellow prisoner who is released unexpectedly, the innocent detainee has every reason to express his indignation, but he has already made his decision; Joseph’s heart holds no animosity.
Two long years later Joseph is called on to interpret a dream. He is freed and promoted to the position of governor of Egypt at a time when wise management of resources is essential.

To be continued...