Don’t Fall out of the Way
Genesis 45:24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.

Joseph’s brethren, the patriarchs of the nation of Israel, less than stellar in their conduct. The jealousy among them was palpable and some of that was caused by Jacob and how he treated Joseph and Benjamin. Joseph, one of the few men in the Bible against whom no sin is recorded, was given to dreams. God would use these dreams not only to show the future, but also to protect and elevate Joseph in due season. Because of the jealousy and a big-brother mentality toward their younger brother, Joseph, they eventually sold him as a slave into Egypt and lied to Jacob by saying that an animal had torn him, producing the coat of many colors as evidence.

Fast forward several years, and we find Joseph in prison, interpreting dreams of two of Pharaoh’s staff. When Pharaoh has a dream that needs interpreting, the chief butler pointed out Joseph who interpreted the dream. In a whirlwind of events, Joseph goes from prison to the second ruler in the nation. Joseph’s brethren upon learning that he was still alive are naturally astounded and afraid. Joseph wants to bring his father and the whole family to live in Egypt and be supplied by his hand. This meant that his brothers were going to face the hard task of explaining how Joseph was alive and how he was now second only to Pharaoh in Egypt.

Wouldn’t you have loved to heard and seen that family meeting? “Dad, we…umm, we…um, dad, Joseph is alive and we sold him for a slave.” Maybe not the exact words as the Bible doesn’t tell us, but surely something like these words. The temptation would be to lie again. Perhaps even a temptation to run away. With all that in mind, Joseph said to his brothers, See that ye fall not out of the way.

Making hard decisions, facing hard events like seeking forgiveness, and facing one’s failures can drive us to make a second foolish decision. Let’s make sure that we do not fall out of the way of holy living, dedicated lives, and faithfulness to God. Do not get so used to this world that you lose your desire for the next and eternal one. Stay fresh in love with Jesus and do not fall out of the way.

Pastor F. J. Weems III