Sheep Among Wolves - Gen. 36-38 & Matt. 10

In Matthew 10:16 Jesus tells the disciples that He is sending them out as sheep among wolves. He warns them that they WILL be treated badly (just as He was). Jesus also says in Matt. 10:34 that He didn't come to bring peace, but rather a sword. That is, He has come offering true life if we give our complete allegiance to Him, but He demands that nothing else come before Him. So a relationship with Him may bring a sword to your relationships in life. Jesus says that we must love Him more than our fathers and mothers, our husbands and wives, our children, our friends, etc. If we are putting anything before Him we must cut it out of our lives.

We see the sheep among wolves scenario in today's OT reading. Joseph, the youngest and most loved by his father is hated by his brothers. So much so that they consider killing him, but then decide to at least profit from him by selling him into slavery. Can you imagine your family treating you like that?!

But take heart if you are currently suffering in this world, because GOD IS IN CONTROL. Just as the Father was with Jesus bringing Him back to life from death into a new and glorious life with the Father, God watches over us as well. Jesus forewarned us that we will face persecution, but He also said He would always be with us. God was in control in Joseph's life as well. He allowed him to become one of the top leaders in Egypt, saving the whole country (including his brothers) from drought and starvation.

Trust and know that God is at work in the same way in your life. Remember that God is above and outside and within our world seeing things from the larger perspective while we are simply in "the fishbowl of life" and all we can see is what's going on around us. If you remain faithful and in touch with God He will help you to consider life from His perspective and He will give you the power and love and grace to carry on.

DON'T GIVE UP!