We meet in this passage two types of people who are in trouble. One is a lazy couch potato who never gets around to achieving much of anything. Then there’s the dream chaser who is going nowhere fast.

There are days when frankly, I just lack motivation.

Where and how do we start telling the story of Christ? Matthew starts his narrative with a genealogy, Mark kicks off with a prophecy from Isaiah, Luke takes an historical approach, and John pushes back to a time before time saying, “In the beginning was the one who is called the Word . . .” (v 1).

Life is messy and things don’t always go according to plan.

Consider Joseph’s story: He’s a good man, in love with Mary, maybe thinking about the wedding or dreaming about growing old together.

A few years ago on “Good Morning, America,” Joan Lunden featured some amazing gifts. One of them was the Jaguar 220. To order the Jaguar 220 you go to the dealer and put down an $80,000 deposit. When the automobile is delivered you pay the balance of $507,000. If you purchase the Jaguar you may be interested in buying a special car wax for the ultimate shine. The wax retails for $3,400 for 225 grams. I guess if you can afford a $587,000 automobile you’re in the market for a $3,400 can of car wax!

Sometimes it’s difficult to recognize our own jealousy because we can justify our feelings. But if we’re not careful, our anger can make our hearts become desensitized and cold. Perhaps that is what happened to Joseph’s ten brothers.

Joseph’s overzealous qualities were a positive force when it meant being obedient to his father Jacob.

Our first response after reading this chapter may be that it unfolds like “R” rated movie. But we need to read this story in the context of the time it was written.

The main point of this story is the preservation of the line of Judah.

Augustine summed up the heart of this psalm. “You have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”

Daily we are bombarded with luring messages that promise contentment. The advertising industry is built with promises that come up short on delivery. Nothing is new under the sun and nothing of this world will bring deep inner peace.