Yesterday’s nougat invited us to avoid guilt trips, using the example of Joseph’s brothers. We continue to reflect on their lives by exploring generational sin. Are you familiar with the phrase, ‘the sins of the father’? It’s part of the explanation for the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. Although the context is slightly different, today’s Holy Nougat also addresses this issue
“So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming fyou.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him.” Genesis 50:16-17 NRSV
There’s something to be said for good genes. We most of us want to inherit the features or to pattern their giftedness in specific fields. At times, the similarities are undeniable. Hence the term ‘mini me’. But what about the somewhat negative traits? Jacob, later renamed Israel, was a schemer. One version of his name translates to ‘supplanter’. And while it references his emphatic replacing Esau in the blessings received; there is that element of scheming entailed.
Consider – Jacob would NOT give his twin food without brokering a deal to his benefit. No birthright; no food. He then plots with his mom to trick his dad Isaac to access Esau’s blessings. This cost him his home, and having met the Master Con (ie his uncle Laban), he out-conned the Master using genetic engineering.
It should not be surprising to find that his sons were shrewd thinkers. Thus, they went to great lengths to validate their Egyptian stay.
Such was their scheming, that none of them paused to consider the reality of the closeness between Jacob and Joseph. For, even if Jacob had expressed such, it is very likely that he’d also have discussed it with Joseph. But that’s human nature. At times when we intentionally sin, we fail to see the visible signs that highlight our wrongs.
Ironically, with all their plotting; their fear was such that they failed to realize that they were scheming for something that was already theirs. Had they even done a little homework; the brothers would have learned the truth. So egregious was their sin that they couldn’t conceive Joseph’s automatic forgiveness; despite all the kindnesses shown.
Yet, for all that plotting and scheming; they already had received the stay of execution, God’s Grace manifested thru Joseph.
Have you and I been plotting and scheming on how to receive that which is freely given? Have we bought into the lie that we are beyond God’s forgiveness? If so, let’s undo that plan. For although our gene pool may include Adam; it originates with God and has been secured by Jesus’ death and resurrection. It doesn’t require plots, schemes or a good con. Rather it requires faith, that God will fulfill God’s promises.
Generational sin … redeemed by God’s generational Grace
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May all we seek be found in Christ
