Tattletale-Good or Bad

O.T. #76  "Tattletale-Good or Bad"
July 2, 2013
Genesis 37-Part 1
Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.  Genesis 37:2c

LET IT GLOW

Now we get back to Joseph. In fact, we will be studying about him for some time. His is one of the most exciting biographies in the Bible, according to Warren Wiersbe. The entire story illustrates
the sovereignty of God and God's providential care of His people. Although Joseph had his faults,
he still stands out as a spiritual giant in his own family. So being a giant can be a good thing, if
you're a spiritual one, that is. Keep in mind that Joseph pictures Jesus, our Savior.

First, we will see Joseph as the favored son, of all the 11 sons of Jacob (Benjamin wasn't born yet).
Second, we will see Joseph as the faithful steward. Third, Joseph as the forgotten servant. Shall we zoom in a little closer on this chosen family?

Joseph is introduced as a specially chosen member of his family. The fact of divine election is one of the themes of Genesis. (Falwell)

Referring to Jacob and Esau, sons of Isaac and Rebekah, Romans 9:11-13 NIV says, Yet, before the
twins were born or had done anything good or bad-in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls-she was told, "The older will serve the younger." Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."

In verse 15, God goes on to say, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

Our salvation and blessings don't depend on our desire or effort, but on God's mercy. (verse 16)

Can I hear some amens? Thank You Jesus for electing me and my family and my friends to be
Your children, a part of Your family. There is no good in me to result in being saved. It's all Jesus'
doings.

Are you a part of God's family? If you are one of the elect, he will bring you in, sooner or later, friend. so you might as well surrender now and enjoy life with Jesus now.

LET IT GROW

We pick up the story, which actually happened, of Joseph when he was 17 years old. He was feeding the flock with his brothers, those whose mother was Bilhah and Zilpah, the handmaidens. He was with his 10 brothers, but 4 are focused on here. They ranked the lowest in the family. this could explain their jealousy and hatred toward Joseph.

What did little brother do to upset his brothers? Verse 14c says Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.  

The report was evil in the sense that their actions were evil and Joseph reported this to their father.
 It is hard to know whether he did this as a tattletale or because his father required him to do it(Lev.5:1). (Falwell)

Since Rachael was Jacob's favorite wife, and they waited many years for Joseph to be born, it is
easy to see why Jacob (Joseph's father) favored him in his old age.

At any rate, it is common knowledge that siblings do not want a tattletale in the family.
Sometimes it's best to let them work out their problems among themselves and not inform the
parents. I recall one knockdown and drag out between my older brother and sister. They were
actually fist fighting, so I ran outside and told our father. I can't remember what happened, but there is still tension between them today. (Not toward me, though for tattling.)

So tattling can be good or bad. In Joseph's case, it was not a good thing for him to do. He was already looked down on, apparently, before this happened. Now he really stirred up things.

LET IT GO

Thank the Lord for electing me to be His child.

Choose our battles when tattling.

Be grateful for God's mercy.