Topic: Degraded By Envy [Friday March 11, 2016]
Text: Acts 7:9-16
Key Verse: “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him govern or over Egypt and all his house” (Acts7:9, 10).
John Mason, in his insightful book, “The Impossible Is Possible”, observed that “when you make your mark in life, you will always attract erasers”. This truth will remain applicable for as long as the fallen nature of man continues to reflect. Stephen had been spitefully accused by the Jews of blasphemy in speaking against Moses and the temple held as sacred among them.
In his defence before the great council of the Jews, he showed his in-depth knowledge of the history of God’s dealings with them, starting from Abraham to the gospel era. By this, he not only aligned with the divine origin of Mosaic religion, but also brought to the foreground the meanness of their fore fathers which his present persecutors were re-enacting against Christ and His disciples. In today’s text, Stephen reminded his audience of the envy and hatred meted out by the patriarchs to Joseph, their favoured brother, who ended up as a slave in Egypt. Apart from the special favour Joseph enjoyed, he had a dream of being the greatest in the family.
The dream was the main object of his brothers’ hatred. In spite of their malicious treatment, Joseph prospered and eventually became a Prime Minister in Egypt. He also became a saviour to both Egypt and Israel, as a type of Christ. Envy is such a mean feeling that leaves a terribly bitter taste. It made Cain the first murderer and fugitive in history. It led Korah, Dathan and Abiram into rebellion and sent all their families to a nearly grave. It turn ed Haman into a frustrated man and hauled him to the gallows. It made the Jewish leaders reject their Saviour.
In all cases, the envied ones triumphed. Pretence and religious activities cannot relieve anyone of this heart affliction. Sincerely pray for the love of God to saturate your heart this day.
Thought for the day: Envy kills its host before its target.
Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 14-15
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
