Genesis 37 lays the seeds of family tensions that draw Joseph, son of Jacob, great grandson of Abraham, into the spotlight for the next major section of our epic story. Jacob, the younger twin, swindled his brother Esau out of birthright and blessing from aging Isaac, and so had to flee to his uncle who out-swindled him. I think we could make a TV series out of this family’s skeletons. Jacob awoke after the wedding to find himself married to Leah, the older sister, and had to work for Rachel, his true love another seven years. Infertility is a significant factor in this family line. Rachel while most loved, does not conceive, until Jacob has already sired ten sons by Leah, her maid, and Rachel’s maid. Finally Rachel becomes pregnant and bears Joseph. The plot thickens as this youngster is obviously favored by the father who gives him a colored coat. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat” is that story. When parents play favorites, trouble brews as seen in the lives of Jacob and Esau. Not only does his father favor Joseph but Joseph is also gifted with the ability to discern dreams and Joseph proudly flaunts dreams of superiority in front of his brothers. His dreams foretell that he will rule over his brothers. I suspect he was a bit arrogant in sharing that dream! Favoritism and arrogance breed jealousy and hate.
This is a common family theme. It seems there is always the sibling that is perceived as “the favorite.” One sibling often functions as the “scapegoat.” Often there is “the clown.” Families can be pretty filled with undercurrents of social tension even as there are in all social groups. We are so human. Joseph’s brothers decide to act on this stew of hatred and grab Joseph and sell him into slavery to a caravan headed to Egypt. Has our hero, God, been defeated by the seeds of doubt, hatred, jealousy and violence sown by our villain, Satan? In fact, we will see this week how God, even in our darkest hours, is working with our lives to bring about the good he desires for us. He is getting Joseph in place to build a nation.
It is so easy in families as we struggle to keep our heads above water and as the needs of one child sometimes consume our energy, to forget to affirm the quiet child, the responsible child, the not so gifted child. Perhaps list today the people in your life who are significant to you and next to their name list the personality trait you appreciate about them. Giving a word of affirmation whether written or spoken or texted is always appreciated. Praying for that quality to be developed in that person’s life is good too. Plus we must never give up on the one who seems “lost” as God is able to work in ways we could not even imagine. “Thank you” is such a powerful phrase!
The Bridge to Egypt
Genesis 37 lays the seeds of family tensions that draw Joseph, son of Jacob, great grandson of Abraham, into the spotlight for the next major section of our epic story. Jacob, the younger twin, swindled his brother Esau out of birthright and blessing from aging Isaac, and so had to flee to his uncle who out-swindled him. I think we could make a TV series out of this family’s skeletons. Jacob awoke after the wedding to find himself married to Leah, the older sister, and had to work for Rachel, his true love another seven years. Infertility is a significant factor in this family line. Rachel while most loved, does not conceive, until Jacob has already sired ten sons by Leah, her maid, and Rachel’s maid. Finally Rachel becomes pregnant and bears Joseph. The plot thickens as this youngster is obviously favored by the father who gives him a colored coat. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat” is that story. When parents play favorites, trouble brews as seen in the lives of Jacob and Esau. Not only does his father favor Joseph but Joseph is also gifted with the ability to discern dreams and Joseph proudly flaunts dreams of superiority in front of his brothers. His dreams foretell that he will rule over his brothers. I suspect he was a bit arrogant in sharing that dream! Favoritism and arrogance breed jealousy and hate.
This is a common family theme. It seems there is always the sibling that is perceived as “the favorite.” One sibling often functions as the “scapegoat.” Often there is “the clown.” Families can be pretty filled with undercurrents of social tension even as there are in all social groups. We are so human. Joseph’s brothers decide to act on this stew of hatred and grab Joseph and sell him into slavery to a caravan headed to Egypt. Has our hero, God, been defeated by the seeds of doubt, hatred, jealousy and violence sown by our villain, Satan? In fact, we will see this week how God, even in our darkest hours, is working with our lives to bring about the good he desires for us. He is getting Joseph in place to build a nation.
It is so easy in families as we struggle to keep our heads above water and as the needs of one child sometimes consume our energy, to forget to affirm the quiet child, the responsible child, the not so gifted child. Perhaps list today the people in your life who are significant to you and next to their name list the personality trait you appreciate about them. Giving a word of affirmation whether written or spoken or texted is always appreciated. Praying for that quality to be developed in that person’s life is good too. Plus we must never give up on the one who seems “lost” as God is able to work in ways we could not even imagine. “Thank you” is such a powerful phrase!
On the Way to Wonder 