In A Pit

We would be missing the obvious if we didn’t discuss the evil stepsisters in Cinderella.  Now I know you are thinking, how is she going to connect the evil stepsisters to the Bible?  You are probably even kind of thinking..this one is gonna be a stretch.  Not at all.  I immediately think of Joseph’s brothers.  Let’s compare these today.

In Cinderella, the stepmother favors the stepsisters.  She makes Cinderella do all of the work.  The stepsisters hate Cinderella because she is beautiful.  Eventually, good triumphs and Cinderella marries the prince.  She is elevated to a high position and we are told that she lives happily ever after.

How does this relate to Joe and his brothers?  Well, let’s see!  Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob.  He was Jacob’s favorite because he was the son of Jacob’s favorite wife, Rachel.  Safe to say both stories have favoritism as a root of the problem.  Where there is favoritism, there is jealousy.  Joseph’s brothers resented him because their dad loved him best. (kinda the way the sisters hate Cindy cause she is the prettiest)  Jacob gives Joe a lavish robe, which puts it in the bros faces. (kinda like the dress that the  mice made for Cindy)  The stepsisters rip the dress apart and Cindy is told she can’t go to the ball.  The bros throw Joseph in the well and leave him for dead.

The brothers go back and tell Jacob that his prized son is dead.  How cruel!  Joseph is saved and ends up in Egypt.  There he becomes quite successful and becomes second in command of the whole country.  (Cindy becomes a princess)  As God would have it, Joseph’s brothers have to come groveling to him to get food.  Joseph helps them and is reunited with his father.

Although it was fun for me to compare the two, the message of Joseph’s story is much more profound than Cinderella.  Joseph models forgiveness for us.  He doesn’t hold a grudge and does what he can to help his family.  We see that God took care of Joseph even when his brothers left him for dead.  God rewarded Joe’s faithfulness but putting him in charge of great matters.

What is the lesson for us?  God expects us to be forgiving even when what has been done is unforgivable.  Forgiveness can be the loveliest gift you give others.  But, more importantly, it can be the greatest gift you give God.  By putting yourself and your feelings aside, you allow God room to move in your life.  When God finds you faithful in matters like this, He often promotes you to new and exciting things, like He did with Joseph.  Prove yourself faithful today.  Let someone off the hook.