The Cost of Duty
Today’s Verse:
And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. ~Genesis 37:5
Guards who stand on duty to protect people, property, and security do so at great cost to their bodies and lives. They accept their responsibility, knowing the cost. There is a cost associated with doing anything important or doing it for someone who is important. This morning, let us see the cost of duty as seen in the life of Joseph. Joseph pictures for us the cost of being a Christian who lives for God.
We see the favored.
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.” Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel. It was a blessed and joyous day when he was born. Jacob loved all of his sons, but because of his love for Rachel, he had a special bond and affection for Joseph. He demonstrated his affection by making him a coat of many colors. When Joseph donned it, it testified of his father’s favor towards him. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." God has clothed us in a robe of righteousness that sets us apart as heirs of God and His righteousness. We are accepted in the beloved. It can be said that as Jacob loved Joseph much, Joseph loved Jacob much.
We see the faithful.
“These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.” Joseph was a faithful steward. As he joined his brothers in feeding the flock, he truthfully told his father of their evil works. He was not trying to be a snitch or troublemaker, but he would not be a party to doing evil against his own father. Being faithful means having unswerving loyalty and regard. It means doing right even if others around you do not do right. Be a Christian who is always faithful.
We see the foresight.
“And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.” Joseph had an unusual and gifted ability to have visions of the future. He dreamed of, one day, being a leader of great stature and his brethren bowing to him. Neither he, his father, nor his brothers had any idea that he would, one day, be the second most important man in Egypt and that he would be instrumental in preserving life during a national famine. However, because he dared to share his dream, it got him into trouble. When we dream big, have a vision for things that can impact lives, and are forward-thinking, we become part of a small group that moves and shakes things up. Do not be afraid to live by faith and attempt great things for God.
We see the friction.
Joseph’s brethren hated him yet the more. Joseph’s faithfulness, favor, and foresight cost him. He was despised and rejected by his brethren. He was deemed a troublemaker, even though he was not. He was disdained for speaking the truth and giving an accurate report. It costs to do your duty. It costs to live for God and stand for Him. Joseph experienced being hated, ostracized, and persecuted. Jesus said, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you." It will cost you to be a true disciple of Christ. Do your duty. Be true to God. Remember that we must obey God rather than men. It might cost you, but have courage and live for our Lord.
Have a courageous God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Jeremiah 18-22