In good times and in bad

What Joseph’s life can teach us about Thanksgiving | Andrée Seu

Illustration by Krieg Barrie

Jooseph is Daddy's favorite. Daddy has given him a multicolored tunic, and God has given him a dream. The future looks rosy. Let us thank the Lord for His amazing gift!

Not so fast. The multicolored coat makes the brothers see red. They have stripped Rachel's son of his tunic, thrown him in a pit, and are cold-bloodedly eating their boxed lunch near the hole. After dessert they will kill him and be done with his dreams. Take back that thanksgiving prayer; nothing to be thankful for here.

But wait. In the nick of time, big brother Judah (whether from compassion or cold feet) pitches an alternative plan: Sell Joseph's prideful hide to the company of Ishmaelite traders that, coincidentally, is trundling down the king's highway from Gilead to Egypt. The day is saved! Praise God for His impeccable timing! Thanksgiving is in order.