Does evidence always guarantee the right verdict? How accurate is circumstantial evidence? If the evidence can convict a person, then surely that is proof that they were indeed guilty of the accusation against them. However, Joseph has an entirely different point of view on this conclusion.
Joseph had received the robe as a gift from his father. It was obvious to him and his brothers that he was the favored son. He did not ask for it. He was offered it and accepted the gift. He might have even thought it was a little gaudy with its many colors, but he appreciated the kind gesture from his father. Joseph always wore it, because with so many siblings, it symbolized assurance that his father did love him.
One day his father sent him off to locate his older brothers working in the field. Oblivious to the deep resentment his brothers had toward him, Joseph approaches his brothers without any reservation or caution. The anger burned within them, and they seized him and threw him in the pit they had quickly dug for him. They decide not to kill him, but sell him off to some travelers. With Joseph’s robe in hand, they rip it, cover it with blood, and tell their father they found it on their journey home.
What is Jacob suppose to believe? In front of him is the robe he had given to his son. The evidence in front of him causes one conclusion for Jacob. Joseph is obviously dead, eaten by some wild animal. Joseph overhears his brothers plan to destroy his coat, and so he knows what his father will believe upon seeing his robe. There is no hope within Joseph that he will ever see his father again. He will not come looking for him.
Years later while serving in Potipher’s home, he finds himself in a tempting situation as he is daily pursued by his master’s wife. She is a woman of low scruples and one day arranges for the rest of the servants to be out of the house so she can be alone with Joseph. Refusing her again, she grabs a hold of Joseph’s robe, tearing it from him. She proceeds to use it as evidence against Joseph, accusing him of rape. Once again, Joseph finds himself isolated and betrayed by a robe.
The robe told the story, but as we know, it was not true. How often do we accept the words of other people? We have no first hand experience, and yet we draw conclusions because of what other people tell us. We want to believe that people are telling the truth, but the reality is, that when people are holding grudges against other people, they do not pass along accurate information. We must be willing to pursue the truth in order to be free in this life as well as the life to come (John 8:32). What are we basing our conclusions on today, the robe or the truth?
» left by Laura Shaw from Dallas TX (218 days 7 hours ago.)
Yes, Beckie, so much wisdom packed in here. I'm a very gullible person, so I appreciated your example here. Well done! Respond to this comment
» left by Beckie Stewart(113) Beckie Stewart (218 days 7 hours ago.)
Thank you Laura, for taking the time to read and comment on my article. This has been going through my head for weeks. Was glad to finally get all my thoughts on paper/computer. Respond to this comment
» left by Catrina from Georgia (218 days 6 hours ago.)
A lesson I need! I'm too trusting and naive. I used to think my trusting nature was a good thing, but I'm learning (slowly) the lesson you've presented so eloquently. Thanks, Beckie! Respond to this comment
» left by Jennifer Maggio from Baton Rouge, LA (218 days 6 hours ago.)
Thought-provoking.
» left by Jack Kent from Illinois (218 days 3 hours ago.)
I've heard the story many times, but seeing it again made me think of just how humin a person can get . We should always ask first, how would Jesus handel it . Jack Kent
» left by Susan (218 days ago.)
Beckie, I really liked this article. There is someone im my life that I keep being tempted to judge by "the evidence" left behind and the Lord keeps convicting me not to judge her...your article being the latest conviction. I also need to remember that there is an unseen robe that this person is wearing...the robe of Christ's righteousness and need to see her with this truth rather than the torn robes.
» left by Anonymous (217 days 22 hours ago.)
Wow, that is neat and I like what you added about the robe of Christ's righteousness. I wish I had put that in there. Thankful the Lord was able to use this to help you. Respond to this comment
» left by (217 days 22 hours ago.)
I love how you summed things up in conclusion in your last paragraph. Really makes me think about whether I base my opinions on "robe or truth".
» left by Norma Hough from South Africa (217 days 11 hours ago.)
Hi <
I enjoyed your devotion. Poor Joseph must have really thought God had deserted him. Sometimes we trust people for the wrong reasons, but if we truly trust in Jesus He will turn around every circumstance.
Blessings,
Norms
» left by Beckie (217 days 11 hours ago.)
Thank you Norma for your comment and encouragement. I love the story of Joseph, because in so many ways it is a story of hope and how the Lord in His perfect timing accomplishes amazing things. Respond to this comment
» left by Stacey from Washington (217 days 11 hours ago.)
Beckie, I will definitely refer back to this article. You gave me new insights into Joseph and his robes. Respond to this comment
» left by Beckie (217 days 11 hours ago.)
Thank you Stacey. I love Joseph, and when reading his story recently I was struck by the robes myself. Respond to this comment
» left by Tim Hicks(242) (212 days 1 hour ago.)
Very good article. It gives me pause to think about how I sometimes interpret the information I am given. We all need to stop and ask ourselves the question you posed: Robe or Truth.
Thanks again for a great article! Respond to this comment
» left by Beckie (212 days ago.)
Thank you, Tim, for taking the time to read my article and to comment. Your words were encouraging to me. I so appreciate it. Respond to this comment
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