Psalm 105:16-22
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-28
Matthew 21:33-43
JOSEPH SOLD INTO SLAVERY, the messengers and then the son of the vineyard owner beaten and killed….
These readings describe in vivid detail the jealousy and greed of humanity at its worst. However, taken one step further, Joseph’s enslavement led to Moses and the Promised Land, and the slaughtered Son led to the Resurrection and our Christian faith and worship.
Now, I am not one of those people who believes that God sends tough times to get our attention or to punish us. I do think, however, that while God does not cause these things, he is willing to give us the very best help he can if we are willing to look for it.
So it is really important for me to try and develop the most positive attitude I can so that I am alert for that help. Time and again I am forced to face the fact that my attitude is the thing that holds me back from the help and sustenance that I need. Like Joseph, I don’t know what I am going to find in my future. Egypt! Twenty years ago I was led to a new and totally unexpected life. Would I have chosen this if left to my own devices? Of course not. Who knew that it would turn out so wonderfully?
So although humanity’s faults seem to lead to disaster, God guides, comforts, and helps us. As one of my favorite hymns says:
“O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.”
Amen.
