Scripture text for Thursday, January 21, 2010: Genesis 43:1-44:34
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As I read this passage, I was struck by how many similarities there are to the other passages we?ve read so far for the E100 challenge.
Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac after losing his first son, Ishmael, because of the tensions between Sarah and Hagar, Ishmael and Isaac. Similarly, Israel (Jacob) had to let go of his beloved son Benjamin, after losing his son Joseph who like Ishmael was turned out into the wilderness, yet saved by God for a greater purpose.
Joseph was his father?s favorite son, just as Esau had been his father’s favorite. In both cases, this favoritism led to brotherly strife.
Israel went to great lengths to collect generous presents to give to the mysterious Egyptian governor (Joseph), to appease him because of the appearance of theft, just as Jacob did when he went to reconcile with Esau, the brother Jacob had stolen so much from.
It seems like the same story being told and retold, with variations on theme. Now, we know that this story continues?we continue to see the Father being willing to sacrifice His beloved Son.
But this also make me think about how in my life, God keeps trying to teach me the same lesson over and over (because I am so slow to learn), each time in a slightly different way, but still getting at the same point. I am so thankful that God is so patient that He is willing to keep teaching me.
As you reflect on what God has been doing in your life, is there a consistent story that God is revisiting with you?
Devotion prepared by Monica Cardella