Thursday August 10th, 2017 Genesis 37:1-4,12-28
Then Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh." (verses 26-27)
It is natural to wonder, “What’s in it for me?” Jealousy is what began this adventure for Joseph that will have him sold into slavery, but eventually becoming the one to save his brothers and their families from hunger. This is a particularly discomforting passage as the brothers seek ways to get the most mileage out of their betrayal.
Many of our ELCIC congregations are finding it hard to support full time pastors. Synod bishops and their staff are encouraging us not to partner together, much like in the old days when pastors rode from one church building to another.
Jealousy keeps us from working together, and “getting the most for me” hinders our sharing of resources. Joseph did what he could for his brothers despite what they’d done to him. That’s the part God invites us to re-create in this story.
Healing Lord, close the divisions in our hearts with your love, we pray. Bring us together in love so that we might live as one. Amen. — EB
Contributed by What’s In It for Me?
It is natural to wonder, "What's in it for me?" Jealousy is what began this adventure for Joseph that will have him sold into slavery, but eventually becoming the one to save his brothers and their families from hunger. This is a particularly discomforting passage as the brothers seek ways to get the most mileage out of their betrayal.
Many of our ELCIC congregations are finding it hard to support full time pastors. Synod bishops and their staff are encouraging us not to partner together, much like in the old days when pastors rode from one church building to another.
Jealousy keeps us from working together, and "getting the most for me" hinders our sharing of resources. Joseph did what he could for his brothers despite what they'd done to him. That's the part God invites us to re-create in this story.
