Some people just seem to have all the luck, don’t they? They land on their feet in every situation. It’s as though everything for them goes from good to better, and they’re not afraid to show just how well off they are.

Joseph was the favoured son of the favourite wife. He was nowhere near the oldest, and yet it was obvious that he was destined for great things. His father, Jacob, made him an ornate robe, a sign of inheritance, and also a sign that its wearer was not required to do the same work as the others in the family. This was before Joseph even had his dreams.

By the time Joseph had told tales on his brothers, received his robe, and then told everyone his two dreams, even Jacob was getting a little irritated. As we have seen so often throughout the history of Isaac and Jacob, the ones who are most favoured, are also most likely to face jealousy and hatred towards them.

Joseph may be naïve and a little thoughtless, but he is upright and faithful. He is one of God’s imperfect but chosen people, and his brothers can’t cope with it. They can’t bear his close relationship with Jacob, his favoured position, the appearance that he thinks he’s so much better than everyone else.

The brothers’ reaction to Joseph is extreme. Yet anger and jealousy can lead us to take action that is quite out of character. Years of resentment can build up, until it bursts out of us in words or actions. Proverbs 14:30 tells us that “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

Jealousy needs to be nipped in the bud before it can take root. Our lives, our futures, and everything we need is in God’s hands, and comparing ourselves to others is not likely to end well. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,” says Jesus, “and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt 16:33). May we all learn to find our true contentment in the Lord.

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH