I've had longings in this lifetime. To be special to someone. God never intended for us to live that way. What happened that Jacob missed that? Jacob has "no clue" when he sends Joseph to check on the welfare of his brothers that he will never see him again for 23 years. And how did Jacob "miss" that he could trust his sons. Did Jacob not have any indication of the animosity? Jacob certainly fueled it with dressing his teenager like a king. What was Jacob thinking?
What stirs inside of me as I read these records of Jacob's children?
And, oh!, the sadness that 12 brothers strip him of his valued robe and throw him into an empty pit. The next verse is heart-wrenching in the records of Jacob: "Then they sat down to eat." Genesis 37:25. They didn't even lose their appetite. What a shame. What a sham.
Wake us up, Oh God, to the things we are doing in our own lives. Favoritism. Jealousy. Arrogance. What lies beneath this network of sins. The sun will rise 8,395 times again before Joseph will see his father and his brothers.
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
Father, we live in unwalled cities. Help us not to build walls to keep others out of our lives. May we see how we play favorites in our own circles. May we see the larger Grand Story being played out whether we are safe in our homes or not. Sort out the coat of many colors that we wear to haunt, to hide, to flaunt, to pride.
PHOTO: Flickr, Photo Credit. God allowed the sun to rise 23 more years on Joseph---so loved---before he sees his father again.
I cannot think of anything to add about today's readings besides the fact that I love reading with you all. I love how I was sitting with my son last night discussing something about work and our jobs. I said that at the end of the day (or our career), we are really working not for the approval of man or our bosses, but we are supposed to be working for God's approval; so we shouldn't expect to get any credit or recognition (although it would be nice!). He agreed, so I'm happy! Have a great weekend, Pearls!
ReplyDeleteIt's so great that you have this time with John. When he is around other young, ambitious, and (usually still arrogant because they haven't had a good humbling yet) men all day, he gets to visit with you and get the bigger. Precious time! Happy Friday. Stay warm!
Delete*bigger picture!
DeleteWhat the brothers meant for harm, God used for good. Wondering how long it took Joseph to come to this. He spent time with God. He had lots of time on his hands. Dark pits, dank cells. Abandoned, forgotten, but not by God. How long in the pit of despair? How long did it take to know he was not alone? Did he dream all that time with visions and visitations of angels? Or was it once in a great while, there would be a little bit of encouragement when he felt he could not survive another moment? Joseph was learning powerful lessons in the dark.
ReplyDeleteLord, when it's darkest, may You transform what others mean for harm into good in our lives. Make us useful in Your Kingdom. Use the awful times to create the beauty in us. Make us more like You. Help us share in the sufferings of Christ by removing the dross, refining the character, realigning our soul to tether ourselves tightly to you. When we suffer, make it count. Because of Your Son. Amen.
Amen, girls. Amen! I love what you shared and I thank you! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love the story of Joseph, the whole story. It is not recorded that he ever despaired or wailed against God. I do wonder what his thoughts could have been, when he was in the cistern and then later when he was forgotten in prison. Oh, to be able to respond in the manner with which he responded each time.
ReplyDeleteI have seen first hand what favoritism can do in families,even perceived favoritism does so much damage to relationships.....to the point of destroying the relationships and extended relationships. In Joesph's case what was meant for evil was used for good, for the good of the entire nation of Israel.
Ann Voskamp's post on Wednesday is great on light and darkness and the analogy that she drew. It blessed me to no end....If you can go and read it. I should have a link to it on my FB page. Bev, it will speak to you for you have runners in your family, long distance runners.
May we all stay warm this week end, basking in His love and the light he sheds in our hearts and lives.