Interwoven Lives

Genesis 37-40

The story of Joseph's bad luck!  His whole life was like a Friday the 13th!!

I note today Reuben and Judah--2 older brothers that pretend not to care but actually try to do what is right or actually have feelings about what is wrong!  It gives me hope for all fighting brothers--I guess you have known some--I certainly have.

The words gum, balm, and myrrh caught my eye today.  Those were the 3 things that the camels were loaded with; the camels of the traders that bought Joseph for 20 shekels of silver.  It brought to mind Jesus' story. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh--3 gifts to him as a baby.  Being sold by Judas for 30 pieces of silver. (Somehow it is good to know that Jesus was worth more)

I know that there is much foreshadowing in the Bible and this seems like it might be one of those cases.  Gum, balm, and myrrh could all be used to repair and fix things, heal, and honor death.  I know Joseph's life was used to fix, heal, and honor many people and their relationships. Look ahead then to Jesus, the King and Master of fixing, healing and relationships.

Again, we see the people of God not acting in a very Godly way.  And yet, God uses those events to move his plan along.  And we can step back and see His hand in it.  I think that is the hard part in my life sometimes.  The stepping back to see how many lives are affected by what is going on.  As I have grown older and had more experiences, this has become easier.  I am able to think past myself and see what others are going through and how my story weaves through theirs.  Just as Joseph's story is weaving through different cultures and worlds--from top of the heap to bottom.  Amazing that Joseph seems to just "plug" along.  He does not seem changed by the events of his life.  There seems to be a confidence and a peace that he is in the right place at the right time and things are as they should be.

God, I pray that today, for all those that my life intertwines, there will be a sense that the world is working as it should.  Amen.

Wrestling with Angels

Genesis 32-36

There's a little devious behavior in every family, isn't there?  And none of us are perfectly wonderful all the time.  So, I guess I can't judge these characters too harshly.  But boy, did they have some character flaws!  Jacob began it all with stealing the birthright and such.  But God blessed him with all those sheep!  And women and babies and cattle and donkeys and......more!  Yet, He still didn't trust God.  He worried about leaving to go home, so he slunk away like a thief in the night.  He didn't realize that there really was a thief with him!

And what about Rachel?  I think she must have been the best "grudge-holder" in the whole world.  First, fighting with her sister over Jacob's love and then holding it against her dad that he married Leah to Jacob in the first place.  At least, I guess that's why she stole his alter pieces.

And what about those brothers?  Killing a whole city of men to "defend the purity of their sister" even after their father had worked things out for the benefit of the family.  Doesn't say much for Jacob and Leah's parenting skills.

And yet the Lord kept leading.  And I guess after wrestling with that angel, Jacob had finally learned that he could trust God so he did moved his family one more time.  I noticed that Jacob talked to them about God the most just before this move, showing that he had matured in his faith enough to spread it to his family.

Maybe that is what today's reading is really all about---maturing in faith.  God comes to us time and time again. Letting us make our mistakes, but staying by our side.  Explaining things and letting us "wrestle" with the new ideas.  Loving us enough to help us pick up the pieces and try again.  Thanks, God.

God is Large and In Charge

Genesis 27-31

Pretty little liars!!

And yet God still was large and in charge.  So many of today's characters thought they were in charge, but I have to believe that God still was in control.  I'm not that impressed with Isaac--after being saved from being sacrificed, He didn't seem to be that close to God.  And Rebekkah didn't turn out to be such a God-follower either.  But I don't think any of her plans would have worked if God hadn't have let them.

So Jacob left the fold.  Reminds me of children leaving home today--for college, for marriage, to be "grown-ups".  It's when we really wonder if all that we have been trying to model and teach them, will soak in and be used.  It's when we really turn them over to God's Holy Spirit.

It seems to have been that way for Jacob.  Once he got out on his own and got quiet and didn't have his mother leading him into deception--he could dream and hear God's voice.  That dream seems to confirm that God was in charge all along.  And Jacob ended up being very loyal and having a great work-ethic.  He also seemed very smart with those sheep and goats.  So, it gives me faith and hope that my children will be in God's hands long after they are out of mine.

As for Jacob's wives--well, we discussed them greatly at Women's Bible Study (Wednesdays--6:00 pm-everyone welcome)--and I guess God can work through conniving women as well.  He worked through Rebekkah and all her schemes and he worked through Leah and Rachel.  The 12 tribes that grew through all of these women will play a big part in the rest of the story--even through to Revelation.  But that is all for another day---God's timing!!  God's plan!  God's hand in it all!

I trust Your hand, oh God!!