Scriptures: Gen 45:1–15; Ps 133; Rom 11:1–2a, 29–32; Mt 15: (10–20) 21–2 I chose to focus on the Genesis story for this devotion, but I encourage you to read all of the scriptures.
The Hebrew Bible reading for this week is the story of Joseph's emotional reunion in Egypt with the brothers who sold him into slavery years earlier. Although this had been a traumatic experience for Joseph, over time he had risen high in the Pharaoh's favor, and was now a wealthy and respected man. Meanwhile, a famine had come to his homeland, and the brothers had journeyed to Egypt in the hope of finding food. Now, in this week's scripture, they stand before him. When Joseph reveals his true identity to the brothers, they are understandably afraid. But Joseph, from the perspective of his ability to save his family in the present, claims that their mean-spirited actions in the past were in fact a God thing. What he is professing is faith's ability to find meaning and purpose even in painful events.
I understand this perspective, and have comforted myself at times that my childhood surgeries and therapies were terrible, but enduring them made me a more compassionate person. I hear similar stories from other Christians, who have faced great tragedy and eventually been transformed in ways they could not have anticipated. People of faith are often given confidence and peace during challenging times, but others may endure a "dark night of the soul" and only gain perspective later. Like Joseph, we might begin to see our disappointments, pains, and struggles as "God things" too. God works for good in all things, and we can praise God for that, while at the same time recognizing that our choices and those of others make a difference. Joseph's positive experience with his brothers was partly because he chose compassion and forgiveness over anger and revenge; it was God at work in him, and Joseph saying a holy "yes" to that.
We have the opportunity during these challenging days to also say "yes" to God's leadings. We can choose to love and protect others by following the best medical advice during this pandemic, we can share our resources with those in need, we can learn new skills and technologies so we can connect with people near and far, we can consider this time of distancing a holy pause in the midst of our lives--- in short, faith's perspective can create new possibilities as we work together with each other and with God. Let's not grow weary of doing good, loving others, and trusting that God is at work in our lives.
Prayer for the Day: Loving and gracious God, walk with us through times of trouble, and let us find your peace and compassion. Give us strength for the day, and hope for tomorrow. Amen
Rev. Terry Deane
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