Genesis 37:1-36/St. Mark 10:1-12
In the Name + of JESUS. Amen.
Jacob, that healer grabber, that usurper had been renamed by the Lord. Israel. For he had striven with God and with man and prevailed. His wrestling with God had occurred that evening at the ford of Jabbok. But not only there. For faith is constantly struggling with unbelief and despair concerning the promise of the Gospel (Tr 44).
So too his striving with men continued throughout his life. First with his own brother, even in the womb, then his father-in-law, at times with his beloved wife, Rachel, even now with his own sons. Such is the life of the Christian lived under the cross. The patriarchs are not paper saints. They are wholly sinful men who experienced all the same bitterness and defeats of life as you.
Their commendation, the author to the Hebrews writes, is on account of faith - the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Heb 11:1). They are examples to us not merely of bearing their cross, for their suffering and work was in no way outwardly different from others. The fathers are examples to us primarily because of their faith in the promise. As the Augsburg Confession states, “Our churches teach that the history of the saints may be set before us so that we may follow the example of their faith and good works, according to our calling” (AC XXI).
Now Jacob ought to have recognized the danger in playing favorites with his children. His own experiences attested to the inherent problems in such preferential treatment. But he loved Joseph more than his other sons. And their father’s greater love for him was obvious to his brothers.
He was the eleventh son of twelve. Far removed from the inheritance and honor of the eldest. The mothers of his older brothers were his father’s other wife and their two servants. Large families are hard enough. The mere thought of a large family of one father and four mothers and twelve sons all living in the same household is overwhelming! Yet he was the firstborn of the favored wife. Thus Joseph was the apple of his father’s eye. And the young man was given a robe of many colors.
As if the hatred of their brother needed an further fuel for the fire, Joseph had brought a bad report of his brothers to their father. It was not tattling. Rather the due diligence of a boy who loved his father and desired for his brother’s a respect and proper behavior for Israel. Okay, maybe he was a little bit of tattle-tale. Yet it is clear that he loved his brothers and did not sense any animosity or hatred from them.
For he naively relates to them his dream: Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf rose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf. Reuben was the firstborn and assumed the role of master. He was removed from receiving the blessing of the firstborn, though, when he slept with Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant, and his father’s concubine. Likewise Simeon and Levi were punished for their violence against the Shechemites, one of whom had raped their sister Dinah. Eventually the blessing of the firstborn, the inheritance and promise would be bestowed upon Judah, from whom the Christ would descend. Yet for now there was a power struggle among the sons of Israel for their father’s favor.
Thus Joseph’s dreams only insight further hatred from his brothers; for they indicate that he shall rule over them and they bow down to him. His brothers were jealous of him. Yet his father kept the saying in mind. Like the Virgin Mary, who received the annunciation from the angel Gabriel that she would be the Mother of God, Jacob, too, heard the Word of the Lord, treasured it and pondered it in his heart. For though they sound like the braggadocio of an adolescent boy, these dreams are the work of the Holy Spirit and prophesies of God. As it is written, In many and various ways, God spoke to His people of old by the prophets (Heb 1:1).
And so Joseph is not only a patriarch, but also a prophet. For his dreams would be fulfilled years later while in Egypt. Unbeknown to his brothers, he would provide grain and sustenance for his family and they would bend the knee to him as one deserving of honor. And though they hated him, mistreated him, sold him into slavery, and reported to their father that he was dead, Joseph would forgive his brothers, saying, Do not fear. Though you meant evil against me, God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive (Gen 50:19, 20).
In this way Joseph is an example of patience and steadfastness regarding God’s wonderful purposes concerning us. God wants this to be written and read and preached in His Church that we may learn how He leads His saints in such a wonderful manner and rules them in such a way that not even the saints themselves can comprehend the plans of God by which they are led (cf. AE 6:359).
Yet joy of joy, we have beyond the example and type of Jacob and Joseph, the antitype, which is Christ Jesus. For He is the only-begotten Son of the Father, the firstborn of His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. He is the beloved, favored Son, sent to His brothers to bring them the Word of peace from the Father. Yet they hated him. As it is written, He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him (Jn 1:11). They did not throw Him in a pit.
Rather with hatred in their hearts He was sold for the price of a slave and turned over to the pagans to be killed. His robe was taken from Him and lots were cast for it. He cried to His Father, but received no answer. For though they meant it for evil against Him, God meant it for good, to bring it about than many people should be saved.
Christ Jesus, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, was the slaughtered Lamb, in whose blood you are dipped and then presented to your Father in heaven. He does not weep for your death, but rejoices at your repentance and life in His Son.
And behold, He sends you comfort. Not in the forth of dreams, as with Joseph. For in many and various ways God spoke to His people of old by the prophets, but now, in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son (Heb 1:1).
You, beloved saints in Christ, do not know the plans our Lord has for you. His ways are not your ways nor His thoughts your thoughts. And though you struggle with doubt and despair, and argue and wrestle against both God and man, even as Jesus indicates in the Gospel, that even husband and wives fight and bicker, still to you He says: “I am the Lord your God, your Protector! Do not fear! Have confidence! I am with you, I will defend you!”
“To us it is said in Baptism, in Absolution, in Communion. I am the Lord your God, do not be troubled! I will care for you! Cast your care on Me! You have a God who has promised that he will care for you. You see the contrary, to be sure; but it is a trial which is useful for this purpose, that may learn and experience how kind the Lord is. For if this trial were not added, we would remain ignorant and senseless and would never understand when our Lord says, “I am the Lord, your God.” It is necessary for us to be instructed and by actual experience of various trials to learn that His Word is true and the promise and absolution are reliable.” (AE 6:364).
God allows such discipline and affliction to the end that you may remember your Baptism and His promise. For the Lord our God has joined you together with and in Christ your heavenly Bridegroom. What God has joined together let not man, nor tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or danger separate!
Behold He dispenses to you the treasury of heaven - He gives you grain and wine, His Body and Blood. So do not fear; He shall provide for you and your little ones (Gen 50:21).
In the Name of the Father and + of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In the Name + of JESUS. Amen.
Jacob, that healer grabber, that usurper had been renamed by the Lord. Israel. For he had striven with God and with man and prevailed. His wrestling with God had occurred that evening at the ford of Jabbok. But not only there. For faith is constantly struggling with unbelief and despair concerning the promise of the Gospel (Tr 44).
So too his striving with men continued throughout his life. First with his own brother, even in the womb, then his father-in-law, at times with his beloved wife, Rachel, even now with his own sons. Such is the life of the Christian lived under the cross. The patriarchs are not paper saints. They are wholly sinful men who experienced all the same bitterness and defeats of life as you.
Their commendation, the author to the Hebrews writes, is on account of faith - the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Heb 11:1). They are examples to us not merely of bearing their cross, for their suffering and work was in no way outwardly different from others. The fathers are examples to us primarily because of their faith in the promise. As the Augsburg Confession states, “Our churches teach that the history of the saints may be set before us so that we may follow the example of their faith and good works, according to our calling” (AC XXI).
Now Jacob ought to have recognized the danger in playing favorites with his children. His own experiences attested to the inherent problems in such preferential treatment. But he loved Joseph more than his other sons. And their father’s greater love for him was obvious to his brothers.
He was the eleventh son of twelve. Far removed from the inheritance and honor of the eldest. The mothers of his older brothers were his father’s other wife and their two servants. Large families are hard enough. The mere thought of a large family of one father and four mothers and twelve sons all living in the same household is overwhelming! Yet he was the firstborn of the favored wife. Thus Joseph was the apple of his father’s eye. And the young man was given a robe of many colors.
As if the hatred of their brother needed an further fuel for the fire, Joseph had brought a bad report of his brothers to their father. It was not tattling. Rather the due diligence of a boy who loved his father and desired for his brother’s a respect and proper behavior for Israel. Okay, maybe he was a little bit of tattle-tale. Yet it is clear that he loved his brothers and did not sense any animosity or hatred from them.
For he naively relates to them his dream: Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf rose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf. Reuben was the firstborn and assumed the role of master. He was removed from receiving the blessing of the firstborn, though, when he slept with Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant, and his father’s concubine. Likewise Simeon and Levi were punished for their violence against the Shechemites, one of whom had raped their sister Dinah. Eventually the blessing of the firstborn, the inheritance and promise would be bestowed upon Judah, from whom the Christ would descend. Yet for now there was a power struggle among the sons of Israel for their father’s favor.
Thus Joseph’s dreams only insight further hatred from his brothers; for they indicate that he shall rule over them and they bow down to him. His brothers were jealous of him. Yet his father kept the saying in mind. Like the Virgin Mary, who received the annunciation from the angel Gabriel that she would be the Mother of God, Jacob, too, heard the Word of the Lord, treasured it and pondered it in his heart. For though they sound like the braggadocio of an adolescent boy, these dreams are the work of the Holy Spirit and prophesies of God. As it is written, In many and various ways, God spoke to His people of old by the prophets (Heb 1:1).
And so Joseph is not only a patriarch, but also a prophet. For his dreams would be fulfilled years later while in Egypt. Unbeknown to his brothers, he would provide grain and sustenance for his family and they would bend the knee to him as one deserving of honor. And though they hated him, mistreated him, sold him into slavery, and reported to their father that he was dead, Joseph would forgive his brothers, saying, Do not fear. Though you meant evil against me, God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive (Gen 50:19, 20).
In this way Joseph is an example of patience and steadfastness regarding God’s wonderful purposes concerning us. God wants this to be written and read and preached in His Church that we may learn how He leads His saints in such a wonderful manner and rules them in such a way that not even the saints themselves can comprehend the plans of God by which they are led (cf. AE 6:359).
Yet joy of joy, we have beyond the example and type of Jacob and Joseph, the antitype, which is Christ Jesus. For He is the only-begotten Son of the Father, the firstborn of His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. He is the beloved, favored Son, sent to His brothers to bring them the Word of peace from the Father. Yet they hated him. As it is written, He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him (Jn 1:11). They did not throw Him in a pit.
Rather with hatred in their hearts He was sold for the price of a slave and turned over to the pagans to be killed. His robe was taken from Him and lots were cast for it. He cried to His Father, but received no answer. For though they meant it for evil against Him, God meant it for good, to bring it about than many people should be saved.
Christ Jesus, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, was the slaughtered Lamb, in whose blood you are dipped and then presented to your Father in heaven. He does not weep for your death, but rejoices at your repentance and life in His Son.
And behold, He sends you comfort. Not in the forth of dreams, as with Joseph. For in many and various ways God spoke to His people of old by the prophets, but now, in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son (Heb 1:1).
You, beloved saints in Christ, do not know the plans our Lord has for you. His ways are not your ways nor His thoughts your thoughts. And though you struggle with doubt and despair, and argue and wrestle against both God and man, even as Jesus indicates in the Gospel, that even husband and wives fight and bicker, still to you He says: “I am the Lord your God, your Protector! Do not fear! Have confidence! I am with you, I will defend you!”
“To us it is said in Baptism, in Absolution, in Communion. I am the Lord your God, do not be troubled! I will care for you! Cast your care on Me! You have a God who has promised that he will care for you. You see the contrary, to be sure; but it is a trial which is useful for this purpose, that may learn and experience how kind the Lord is. For if this trial were not added, we would remain ignorant and senseless and would never understand when our Lord says, “I am the Lord, your God.” It is necessary for us to be instructed and by actual experience of various trials to learn that His Word is true and the promise and absolution are reliable.” (AE 6:364).
God allows such discipline and affliction to the end that you may remember your Baptism and His promise. For the Lord our God has joined you together with and in Christ your heavenly Bridegroom. What God has joined together let not man, nor tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or danger separate!
Behold He dispenses to you the treasury of heaven - He gives you grain and wine, His Body and Blood. So do not fear; He shall provide for you and your little ones (Gen 50:21).
In the Name of the Father and + of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
RSS Feed