“Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.” (Acts 7:9-10)
Jacob, Joseph’s father, tricked his brother Esau out of his inheritance as the first-born son. He was paid back by his father-in-law, Laban, tricking Joseph into marrying Leah, his oldest daughter, instead of Rachel, the daughter that Jacob loved. Seven years later, Laban allowed him to marry Rachel. But Leah felt unloved, so God allowed her to have children and kept Rachel barren. The sisters were jealous of each other. God opened Rachel’s womb. She had two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. Jacob favored Joseph and made him an ornate robe. His eleven brothers were jealous and sold him as a slave into Egypt
When something bad happens to us and we remain faithful to God as Joseph did, God will be with us and bless us. If you are going through a bad time, be thankful and help others as Joseph did, and you will also be blessed. Joseph become ruler over Egypt and Pharaoh’s palace. There’s no limit to the blessing God has for you. “Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)
Again, God uses Stephen to remind the leaders of the Sanhedrin about the consequences of jealousy. If they continue their jealousy of Jesus and Stephen, they will lose part of their blessing. If they honor Jesus as their Messiah, God will bless them beyond their imaginations.
Dearest Heavenly Father, I praise you for your many blessings. Remind me to be faithful and convict me when I am jealous. Help me follow Your ways and be faithful, so You will bless me and my family beyond what I can imagine or think of.
When we are children we might be jealous that our sister has a prettier dress, or a toy that we want. I don’t remember being jealous of my sister but I am sure I was at some point. As an adult I never want to feel jealousy of another person. It is unhealthy. When we love someone how can we possibly be jealous of someone’s good fortune. I am praying for you, Jody. And your family.
Well said, Sis. I don’t ever remember being jealous of you either. Perhaps I was jealous of you being older and able to do more. But now I am happy to be younger. lol! I also prayed for you and your family this morning. Blessings and love, Jody
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for! “The right to be heard does not autmatically include the right to be taken seriously.” by Hubert Humphrey.
There’s no need to be jealous when we’re Christians. God doesn’t run out of promotions for his children. When we have faith that God will bless us, we’ll be blessed more than we dare ask for or imagine. I prayed for you today. I hope you know how wide and long and high and deep God’s love is for you. Blessings, Jody