Are you in the midst of a story?
Scripture:
Genesis 42
Observation:
How do you respond to a crisis? Even better, how are you responding to our crisis? Some people spring into action. Some are overwhelmed by tiredness. Some are paralysed by having to make any decisions.
It’s intriguing to see this last option seems to be the response of Jacob’s family to the famine that had gripped the land.
“When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other?”” (Gen. 42:1 NIV11)
Movement, not paralysis, was to be their response. Engagement and action. Don’t just stand around – go down to Egypt!
When they go they meet Joseph (who keeps himself hidden). Joseph toys with his brothers and demands they prove the legitimacy of their story by bringing his blood brother to Egypt. On hearing this news Jacob despairs. He can’t lose the last of Rachel’s sons to misadventure.
“Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!”” (Gen. 42:36 NIV11)
We know that “everything” isn’t against Jacob. We know that God is working in this story. We know that these events will work out for salivation. But Jacob didn’t. He despaired.
It’s intriguing to see this last option seems to be the response of Jacob’s family to the famine that had gripped the land.
“When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other?”” (Gen. 42:1 NIV11)
Movement, not paralysis, was to be their response. Engagement and action. Don’t just stand around – go down to Egypt!
When they go they meet Joseph (who keeps himself hidden). Joseph toys with his brothers and demands they prove the legitimacy of their story by bringing his blood brother to Egypt. On hearing this news Jacob despairs. He can’t lose the last of Rachel’s sons to misadventure.
“Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!”” (Gen. 42:36 NIV11)
We know that “everything” isn’t against Jacob. We know that God is working in this story. We know that these events will work out for salivation. But Jacob didn’t. He despaired.
Prayer:
Application:
Do you know that even today. Even in the middle of Coronavirus there is more story to be written. We haven’t fallen off God’s page. We aren’t alone. Everything isn’t against us. You are in the middle of story that is ongoing. God hasn’t finished writing.
There are great words of encouragement spoken to Israel in Jeremiah:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11 NIV11)
They are echoed in heart to Christians in Romans:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28 NIV11)
Lord, help me not to despair this day. Help me to trust your promises. Help me to believe by faith that you remain God and good. Help me believe there’s more to be written – even with hope. Even today.
