The scriptures read are Genesis 34-36, Psalm 12 and Matthew 12.
Genesis 34. One of those stories you don't hear in Sunday School. Jacob's daughter Dinah gets raped by Shechem, son of a local chieftain. Then he falls in love with her and wants to marry her. Jacob's sons are outraged but come up with a clever way to get revenge. They convince Shechem that he must get circumcised before they would even consider letting their sister marry him. Shechem convinces everyone in town to get circumcised so they can marry into Jacob's rich family. And on the 3rd day, when all the guys are still sore, Jacob's sons enter the town and kill all the men. When Jacob hears how they sacked the town he is upset. The deceptive streak in him and his family has finally ended up taking lives. A jarring story of family honor.
Genesis 35. Jacob goes to Bethel to see God. He has the family dump their idols (!) On the way back Rachel dies in childbirth. Jacob changes his last son's name from Benoni (Son of my pain) to Benjamin (Son of good fortune). Jacob gets home in time for his father Isaac to die. Sad time for Jacob, who is more reflective and honest after all these events.
Genesis 36. Esau's descendents. We skip over this stuff but it was obviously very meaningful to the folks who memorized and recited it for decades and for those who wrote it down. There are even little details and references to family stories in these lists, like the guy who came across some hot springs while herding his dad's donkeys. These were stories of real people who meant something to their families and friends.
Psalm 12. A lament that "...the faithful are no more...men speak lies to one another." However, "Because of the groans of the plundered poor and needy, I will now act, says the Lord."
Matthew 12. Material enough for a half dozen sermons at least. Jesus versus the Pharisees on sabbath-eating, sabbath-healing, and attributing the works of the Spirit to the devil. Telling a tree's nature from its fruit. Who are Jesus' real family members?
No comments:
Post a Comment