Genesis 37:4 KJV, “And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.”
Ellen G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy The Great Controversy Between Christ and His Angels and Satan and His Angels, Vol 1, 1870, Ch 14, P. 126, Steam Press, Battle Creek, MI, writes Joseph, “listened to his father’s instructions, and feared the Lord. He was more obedient to his father’s righteous teachings than any of his brethren. He treasured his instructions, and, with integrity of heart, loved to obey God. He was grieved at the wrong conduct of some of his brethren, and meekly entreated them to pursue a righteous course, and leave off their wicked acts. This only imbittered them against him. His hatred of sin was such that he could not endure to see his brethren sinning against God.”
Let me enumerate the characteristics that made Joseph’s Father loved him and his brothers hated him:
1. He Listened to His Father’s Instructions.
2. He Feared the Lord (Hate Sin).
3. He was More Obedient to His Father’s Righteous Teachings.
4. He Loved to obey God.
5. He Grieved at the Wrong Conduct.
6. He Meekly Entreats Them to Pursue Righteous Course.
7. He Could Not Endure to See His Brethren Sinning Against God.
If we have these characteristics above we will surely be hated by those close to us and had influence over us. These are the list of those who follow righteousness by faith in God the Father.
2 Timothy 3:12 KJV, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
When we are hated, ignored, or disappointed there is Satanic temptation to yield to human nature and to commit sin if not resisted but listen to the quote below:
Sister White writing about Joseph’s despair when the butler forgot about him in the dungeon, reiterates in p. 132, “Here is an example to all generations who should live upon the earth. Although they may be exposed to temptations, yet they should ever realize that there is a defense at hand, and it will be their own fault if they are not preserved. God will be a present help, and his Spirit a shield. Although surrounded with the severest temptations, there is a source of strength to which they can apply and resist them.”
Let us develop the 7 traits above and walk with God when we are betrayed, hated, thrown into the pit, falsely accused, imprisoned, abandoned, and even when we are prospered or restored. All things work together for good to them that love the Father and His Son (Romans 8:28).
We will continue to pray tonight for our regular Zoom meeting at 8:00pm US Eastern Standard Time. ID: 916 891 5581 PW: TrueGod.
Sincerely in the Blessed Hope.
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Mark is an under-shepherd serving under the Master shepherd our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Mark has a weekly Zoom Sabbath service and Wednesday prayer meeting as well as a daily devotional blog. Please consider supporting Mark’s ministry with your tithes and offerings. You can donate electronically by PayPal using this link: https://plangga.com/donation/ or you can write a check to Mark Lastimoso Ministry and mail to:
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93654
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