Bibledoorjar Views Family Dynamics at Work

     Jacob is now much older. We have learned that Joseph, the knee baby, is now seventeen. In his older age, God has shaped Jacob's character as Israel, the patriarch, through both joys and sorrows. And now, his beloved son, has come to the Prince of Israel with evil reports of his other sons and is telling the patriarch about the content of his dreams. These evil reports were not tattling for tattling sake; the reports spoke the truth about Israel's sons. They had participated in many evil things even to the point of murder at Shechem following the rape of Dinah. Even Jacob knows in his heart of hearts that his sons went too far with that retribution. But now, Joseph was not only speaking the truth about his brothers, he was also implying that all his family, even his dead mother, would bow down to him. This was all taking place at a time when Joseph's greatest achievement to date was that of being a shepherd. How would their knee bow to such a one?

     A greater Son came to earth. He was the much beloved Son of his Father and He gained a reputation for being able to speak the truth about his brothers. And He was hated by them especially when He confirmed that He was the Messiah to whom every knee was to bow. He referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd, capable of finding the lost sheep and, through lovingly speaking the truth to them, bring them to safety. For many, this was wonderful news and they anointed Him with oils of love. For others, not so much. They hatched cruel plans. But still the truths endured. Does your knee bow to such a One?

My sins, my sins, my Savior!
How sad on Thee they fall;
Seen through Thy gentle patience,
I tenfold feel them all;
I know they are forgiven,
But still, their pain to me
Is all the grief and anguish
They laid, my Lord, on Thee.

My sins, my sins, my Savior!
Their guilt I never knew
Till with Thee in the desert
I near Thy passion drew;
Till with Thee in the garden
I heard Thy pleading prayer,
And saw the sweat-drops bloody
That told Thy sorrow there.

Therefore my songs, my Savior,
E’en in this time of woe,
Shall tell of all Thy goodness
To suff’ring man below;
Thy goodness and Thy favor,
Whose presence from above
Rejoice those hearts, my Savior,
That live in Thee and love.

Words by John S. B. Monsell