Bad Choices and God's Redeeming Love

Periodically, our contentment is interrupted by unforeseen events that disrupt our peace of mind. Bad choices create unhappiness, so no one gets to pass through life free of hardships. For generations the Hebrew people living in Egypt had enjoyed prosperity, but then politics and power ended their peace and security.

Hardships can be invited into your life through self-imposed habits and a reckless lifestyle. Moses became a fugitive after killing an Egyptian and exiling himself in the desert of Median. His desert confinement severely limited the gifts and talents he had developed as a royal prince in the palace of the Pharaoh.

God decided that Moses had matured after his forty-year exile. He could now begin the work God planned for him. Moses would have concurred with the psalmist, "With love you embrace me, with honor you ennoble me, and with power you uphold me." These words are for you as you open your heart to God’s redeeming love.  

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But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel; and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven! Whom have I in heaven but you? And I desire no one on earth as much as you!

~Psalm 73:23-25 The Living Bible

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Favoritism: Creator of Jealousy and Envy

As it became obvious that Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son, the older boys’ hatred for Joseph and their father intensified. To make matters worse, Joseph shared his dreams of supremacy with his brothers. These dreams caused the brothers’ hatred and envy to escalate since they believed dreams foretold the future. 

 

Listen as Joseph taunted his brothers with his dream. "We were binding bundles of grain in the field when suddenly my bundles stood up while yours gathered around mine and bowed down to them." Imagine the brothers’ feelings when they asked, “So, do you intend to rule us?" Joseph fueled the fire of hatred by telling other similar dreams.

When Jacob gave Joseph a beautiful coat, his brothers resented the place of privilege Joseph enjoyed with their father. They coveted the love and affection Joseph received from Jacob. As we consider our relationship with God our Father, it’s important to believe God does not discriminate. His love is unfailing and is extended to everyone regardless of place or position. 

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Now as it happened, Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other children, because Joseph was born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob gave him a special gift – a brightly colored coat.

~GENESIS 37:3 The Living Bible

God doesn’t have any favorites!

~ROMANS 2:11 Contemporary English Version

An Unhealthy Alliance

Children are astute in observing parental responses to their personalities, behaviors and giftedness. A parent may give consent to unacceptable behavior knowing it builds a bridge to trouble. This dynamic existed between Rebekah and her favorite son Jacob. It was an unhealthy alliance that permitted Jacob to trade a bowl of soup for his brother Esau’s birthright.

 

You might side with Jacob and say Esau shouldn’t have been so stupid. That trade could be compared to swapping a four-year college education for a combo meal at a fast food restaurant. Anger and remorse are emotions felt toward oneself or others after an impulsive act, but Jacob apparently didn’t feel guilt or shame for his behavior.

Before the twins’ birth, God told Rebekah Jacob would rule over Esau, so she favored Jacob, which meant her love was stronger for him. This being the case, it had to have been obvious to both boys. God prefers parents love each child equally because his love is unconditional. Let us give thanks and praise to him for this wonderful blessing.