Devotion:
Read Genesis 37:1-11.
This is another of the unflattering stories of the patriarchal families that is included in the Biblical history. The Biblical writers include ALL of Jacob’s family story. It doesn’t just have the good parts, it includes the messy parts as well. This story provides enough information for several healing family therapy sessions.
One of the major issues is Jacob’s favoritism for his son, Joseph, and the generational problems it causes for the family. And there is a collection of issues which involves the power and jealousy among Jacob’s sons, all of whom seem to be seeking their father’s favor.
But in the midst, God works. And through it all, God brings relief from the famine not just for one family, but for a whole nation.
Dr. Terence E. Fretheim says, “No one in this story emerges innocent. Even Joseph, though certainly the primary victim furnishes fuel for his own troubles. God works in and through even the worst that this family can perpetrate—-even evil—-God works for good.”
This story helps us realize that even in the midst of our imperfections, sins and messy lives, God can work, forgive, restore and transform us to bring about good, not only for ourselves, but for others, too. This story gives us hope that God can turn things around to bring healing and to teach us new lessons. Our part is to have humble and willing hearts for God’s transforming love to heal us.
Personal Worship Option:
Loving and Gracious God, thank you that the scriptures tell us the whole stories of people’s real lives. Thank you that you can work in the midst of the whole stories of our lives to bring hope and healing to us all. Amen.
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