January 12, 2024 - Genesis 37-38

The stories of Joseph begin, and it’s interesting that these opening episodes of his brothers’ jealousy, deception, and treachery follow so closely after the story of the reconciliation of Jacob and Esau.  Just goes to show, once again, how sin just continues to rear its ugly head and the necessity of us being alert and constantly relying upon God.  We know the story well:  Joseph’s dreams of greatness, his brothers’ jealousy and their treachery in selling him to slavers on their way to Egypt, and their lies to their father, Isaac.  Inserted is the story of Tamar and Judah.  How terrible is sin and how terrible are its consequences.  If only we would learn!

God, how can we forgive when bonds of love are torn?

How can we rise and start anew, our trust reborn?

When human loving fails and every hope is gone,

Your love gives strength beyond our own to face the dawn.

When we have missed the mark, and tears of anguish flow,

How can you still release our guilt, the debt we owe?

The ocean depth of grace surpasses all our needs.

A priest who shares our human pain, Christ intercedes.

Who dares to throw the stone to damn another’s sin,

When you, while knowing all our past, forgive again?

No more we play the judge, for by your grace we live.

As you, O God, forgive our sin, may we forgive.   –Ruth Duck (1994)