Tuesday, May 5, 2020
James Tissot: Joseph Sold into Slavery
The Truth Revealed
As a child I was always enthralled with the convolutions of the story of the tribes of Jacob – and I have always loved the figure of Joseph – the harbinger of the Joseph who serves God so loyally as Jesus’ earthly father. The Joseph of Genesis was innocent, happy, and the apple of his father’s eye . . . and for this he suffered greatly. He was nearly murdered, was sold into slavery, and escaped the vamping of a woman only to land in jail for his moral rectitude. Even while imprisoned he remained faithful and he listened for Yahweh’s voice . . . heard it and obeyed.
We all know the denouement of how he came to be reconnected with the family he had lost – at the hands of his own brothers; and today we see his reaction when the truth is revealed. He does not accuse, he does not punish . . . he cries for joy at seeing the people he thought he had lost. And then look at verse 7. Joseph has so tuned himself to understand God’s word to him, that he immediately understands the reason for his suffering.
God, therefore, sent me on ahead of you to ensure for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives in an extraordinary deliverance.
This is what we are called to do for one another. Those who have vision, rather than take advantage of the weak, are to go on ahead to prepare a place. Those who have voice, rather than shout down an unpleasant story, are to proclaim it to all. Those who have ears, rather than turn away from the truth, are to hear it and witness to it. Those who experience God in a very real way, rather than hide God’s light under a bushel basket, must raise it on a lamp stand to shine throughout the world.
Today we pause in our journey through Eastertide to reflect on our discipleship. We examine the hardships we suffer; and we give thanks for the gifts we receive in this special way in such a special time. God asks much of us but he gives us much as well: meekness, broken-heartedness, constancy and honesty. Let us consider how these gifts have changed us. Let us consider how God has changed us. And let us consider how we have used these gifts to change the world.
Tomorrow, a prayer for honesty and truth revealed . . .
Image from: https://www.jweekly.com/2019/12/19/caged-no-escape-in-judaism-there-is-always-hope/
First written on November 15, 2007. Re-written and posted today.
The Noontimes 