Sibling Rivalry
I find it absolutely amazing if people say that the bible is an outdated book that does not have relevance to today’s world. If you have brothers and/or sisters, you’ve experienced some form of jealousy and feeling ripped off of what is “mine.”
Oldest children get this when a new baby sister or brother is born. This might happen at Christmas or other gift giving occasions. Think about all the times and reasons you have ever been in a sibling rivalry. Now guess what? Examples are all over the bible and they have been happening for thousands and thousands of years.
Solomon, the wisest man outside of Jesus, says that there is nothing new under sun. If it happens, it has already happened before.
Jacob robbed his older brother Esau of his inheritance. Jacob gave one of his youngest son, Joseph, a one of a kind special coat while his other 10 older brothers got nothing. Those brothers ended up selling him to the Egyptians because they couldn’t stand the favoritism towards Joseph.
Jacob later adopted Manasseh and Ephraim (Joseph’s sons) and gave them a piece of royal lineage among the 12 tribes of Israel (Jacob’s other name). Jacob even purposely blessed Manesseh, the younger, more over Ephraim, the older, just as he did to his own older brother.
David was chosen King over his older and stronger and taller 6 brothers. Later David chooses Solomon, Bathsheba’s son, to become king after him instead of the rightful heir, his oldest son, Adonijah.
Jesus’ brothers didn’t even believe He was the Christ until long after His death, burial and resurrection.
The bible is not boring or irrelevant. Open up and read some, you’ll love it!
