“People don't resist change. They resist being changed.” ~ Peter M. Senge
GENESIS 42, 43
Here come the boys. Jacob hears that Egypt has grain and tells his sons to go get some. Ten of them go and are forced to face the Governor of the land...Joseph. They of course have no idea who Joseph is, yet Joseph recognizes them immediately. He puts them through multiple tests and accuses them of being spies. He detains Simeon and requests that they bring back Benjamin. Upon returning Jacob is overwhelmed with worry and fret. He reluctantly lets them go back with Benjamin.
Upon their return Joseph brings them to his house and has a great feast. At the table seating he positions them oldest to youngest. He gives Benjamin a double portion and they feast and drink freely with him.
Upon their return Joseph brings them to his house and has a great feast. At the table seating he positions them oldest to youngest. He gives Benjamin a double portion and they feast and drink freely with him.
MATTHEW 13:33-58
Jesus continues to teach in parables
- The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed... (31-32)
- The kingdom of heaven is like yeast... (33)
- The kingdom of heaven is like treasure in a field... (44)
- Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls... (45-46)
- Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake... (47-50)
Jesus moves on from there and goes to his hometown. There the people are amazed at his wisdom and knowledge and begin to compare him to his brothers and sisters.
Isn't this the carpenter's son?...Where then did this man get all these things? And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor." (55-57)
JOURNAL
Jesus is rejected. That's pretty much the way of the world, and they way of families. I see it all the time with my boys. One gets something the others don't and it becomes a subtle war to put them in their place. Fear, greed, selfishness, jealousy...they reign supreme when it comes to position and our place in the world.
The story of Joseph also shows the deep affect our own family has on us. He is second in command of all of Egypt and yet seeing his brothers moves him to tears. Power, position, titles...none of it really matters. It matters...but in comparison, it really doesn't. Jesus experiences the same and as a result he "does not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith"(58).
Jesus, the son of God is affected by his family and friends...this is such a lesson to me. How often when I think of my own family do I think of them in terms of how I knew them. I really don't allow perceptions to change or God to move my heart, I want to put them back where I understand them and know them. It is about me...not about them or God.
The story of Joseph also shows the deep affect our own family has on us. He is second in command of all of Egypt and yet seeing his brothers moves him to tears. Power, position, titles...none of it really matters. It matters...but in comparison, it really doesn't. Jesus experiences the same and as a result he "does not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith"(58).
Jesus, the son of God is affected by his family and friends...this is such a lesson to me. How often when I think of my own family do I think of them in terms of how I knew them. I really don't allow perceptions to change or God to move my heart, I want to put them back where I understand them and know them. It is about me...not about them or God.
Love the Lord your God with all our heart and with all your soul and will all your strength and with all your mind, and Love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27)
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