Lectionary Reading 9 August
Read Genesis 37:1-4,12-28. As we read stories from the Old Testament we can easily forget that these are stories about real people. As such the bible presents these people as they are with all their strengths and weaknesses. In this story we read about some of the tension that runs through Jacob’s family. Clearly the origin of this tension stems from Jacob’s love for Joseph above all his other sons. The brothers have built up resentment towards Joseph and according to the text they saw him as an enemy and did not speak peaceably (shalom) to him. Joseph himself is not without fault as he continues to wear the garment that signals his special status above his brothers. As this story unfolds the brothers decide to remove him from the family once and for all. Reuben makes an attempt to save Joseph: as the eldest son it was his responsibility to have shown more leadership, thus emphasising the failure of the family to function as it should. While Reuben is absent the other brothers conspire against the authority of Reuben and sell their brother into slavery. As we read the story we might want to apportion blame or make excuses for the family members and their interactions. However this is more than a story, it is an excerpt in the saga of the nation of Israel’s restoration. Jacob’s twelve sons make up the tribes of Israel and highlighted is the dysfunction of the family. At the same time the grace of God is already putting into place the circumstances which will ensure that the nation will survive.
Prayer. Gracious God, you are our Lord and Saviour. Grant to us the wisdom to see life as it really is and to recognise how much we depend on you to bring us life. You are the one who gives us meaning in life and through all life’s events to work for our greater good. In a world where many voices are heard, let us hear your voice most clearly, may we know your hand holding us fast, your steps guiding us along our way. You alone can transform darkness into light, and lift the depression of past burdens through to new hope and new joy. You alone show us that there is nothing in life of which we need be afraid, so Lord, free us for greater service and more effective witness because through your love and forgiveness we are free indeed to live for you. Amen
Read Psalm 105:1-6,15-22, 45 b Our psalm for today picks up the story that we read above from Genesis; This is the story that highlights God’s intervention on behalf of the people. The remembrance of the wonderful actions of God leads the psalmist to a heart of praise and thanksgiving. It is praise that springs from knowing that God’s protective love surrounds the whole nation and will lead them through even the darkest times. Though the outcome is assured the psalmist recognises that the journey can be both hard and at times painful. Being God’s people does not mean that things will always be easy, what it does mean is that God will win through and honour all the promises that have been made. God’s care and attention is meant to lead the people through to an obedience that will help to keep them safe and secure. While God is actively upholding the people, through God’s love the people can in turn work with God, obediently keeping the guiding commands that are given. The psalmist remarks that keeping God’s statutes is to show wisdom, the wisdom that God gives: Because all things centre on God the people can rejoice with unstinting praise.
Prayer. Lord you are always close at hand for us, a helper, a comforter and a guide. Teach us to rely on you more and more. Grant that the light of your presence will lighten our hearts today. May your love fill our hearts and give us peace today as we endeavour to live for you. Make us aware of how close you are, how sure is your way, how secure is your plan for us. May our prayers and praise always honour you. Enable our lives to express for all to see what you have done in and for us. In your family Lord all are of equal worth. We thank you for the privilege of belonging and we pray that we may show willing acceptance to all those who come to be among us in your name. We thank you again today for the salvation that Jesus has won and for the peace and joy that comes through knowing Him. Amen
Collect Mighty God and ruler of all creation, give new strength to our faith and grant that we may recognise your presence in all of life and of history, so that we may face all trials with serenity and walk with Christ toward your peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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