Hello
Sometimes I try to imagine how the biblical characters would feel if they were to realise that THEIR STORY made it to the printed cannon. And of course, I’m hardly there for long before the spotlight turns on me; is my story one which should qualify for the Holy Book – and before you judge me; remember that we are the only Bible that some people read. In moments such as those, I find myself cringing; for truly not EVERYTHING would be worth the admission fee. Here’s today’s Holy Nougat™
This is the account of Jacob and his family. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing. Genesis 37:2 NLT
We all know Joseph’s story, but have we ever stopped to acknowledge that part of the reason for his “demise” was his wayward mouth? As verse two ends, we realise that Joseph was an ‘informer’ (and when we meet his brothers later, we realize that his actions might have been justified, but nevertheless) and in some cultures a tattletale AKA informer is meet with GREAT resistance.
Moreover, Joseph wasn’t just reporting on ANY random person in the field. He was reporting to his father about the behaviors of his siblings.
Hmmmn
I sense premises for some MAJOR FALLOUT right there!
There are two silences of note in the report. Joseph’s brothers born of Leah his mother’s sister (Jacobs first wife); and the silence of Joseph’s reaction.
Why?
What then do we hear from that which is not said?
What then do we hear about Joseph himself? Does that change how we understand what happened next? What impatientit does it have on our discernment of what TO SAY and in turn, what NOT TO SAY?
And yet, God redeems even Joseph’s mouth, so much so that that cringe-worthy beginning to his story is often overlooked; when he becomes the hero of the piece …
So, when I consider Joseph’s legacy, I realize that here’s room for my own redemption. For no matter how my story starts, with God; it’s how I finish that really counts.
Ready to transform your eulogy through your legacy?
God is waiting … just say the word.
In Christ’s love and grace
