Have you ever noticed that sometimes the “evidence” we see isn’t the truth at all? Recently, I heard a message that gave me a brand-new perspective on Joseph’s story. It was called “Two Coats of Lies.” It struck me in a way I’d never considered before. Joseph, the dreamer, had not one but two coats taken from him, both wrapped in deception.
The First Coat: A Lie Soaked in Sorrow
Burning with jealousy, Joseph’s brothers stripped him of his beautiful robe, the coat of many colors. They dipped it in goat’s blood and handed it to their father, Jacob, as “proof” of Joseph’s death. Genesis 37:31-33 (NLT) tells us:
“Then the brothers killed a young goat and dipped Joseph’s robe in its blood… Their father recognized it immediately. ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘it is my son’s robe. A wild animal must have eaten him! Joseph has clearly been torn to pieces!”
This lie was designed to break Jacob’s heart and bury Joseph’s story before it could even begin.
The Second Coat: A Lie Cloaked in Accusation
Years later, Joseph faced another deception. In Potiphar’s house, his integrity was twisted into guilt. Potiphar’s wife grabbed his cloak as he fled from her advances and used it as “evidence” to falsely accuse him.
Genesis 39:12-16 (NLT) says:
“She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, ‘Come on, sleep with me!’ Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house… She kept the cloak with her until her husband came home.”
Again, a coat was used as proof, but it was never the truth.
False Evidence, Real Pain
Both coats became symbols of lies, one soaked in sorrow, the other torn in accusation. Yet, neither coat could define Joseph’s destiny. The enemy still uses “coats” today: false evidence, twisted stories, and manipulated moments, all meant to destroy destinies and break hearts.
But here’s the hope: the truth always outlives the lie.
God’s Glory Outshines Every Lie
Joseph’s story didn’t end in the pit or the prison. Genesis 50:20 (NLT) reminds us:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”
What God covers, no enemy can truly steal. Joseph rose to the palace because God’s purpose was greater than any lie spoken over him.
Be Careful What You Accept as “Evidence”
Sometimes the loudest proof is the biggest lie. The world may present “evidence” meant to discourage or define you, but God’s truth is the final word. His glory shines behind every torn and bloodied coat, redeeming our stories for His purpose.
Reflection:
- Where in your life have you accepted “evidence” that wasn’t God’s truth?
- How can you invite God’s light to shine on your story, even in the places marked by pain or accusation?
Remember, the truth always prevails, and God is the author of your destiny.