September 20, 2020, Genesis 42:6-25; ISSL Reflections Post 2

You can find this week’s Scripture at –
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2042%3A6-25&version=NRSV,ESV

IV.
My intention in offering these reflections has not been to present historical, cultural, linguistic or textual background. Rather, my hope is that the questions and thoughts I offer, help you to encounter the Scripture on a deeply personal level. Some would call this “entering the narrative,” others “praying with Scripture.” However we name it, I hope we are drawn into the passages and experience the people and events and truths that might await us there.

V.
From time to time I will offer some examples of how others encourage us to enter the narrative. For today’s reflections I want to offer some thoughts found in The Abide Bible. This study bible includes a number of tools for what it calls “Scripture engagement.” For this week’s passage, it suggests a way to “contemplate” the Scripture.

I was hesitant to offer this because one word in the reading (“sovereignty”) carries a lot of baggage for some of us. Baggage aside, I encourage you to try out this engagement method and see where it leads.

Please, take your time with this. Don’t rush.

CONTEMPLATE Genesis 42:1-11

READ
Read the passage and imagine its details. Locate a verse that stands out to you. Consider the significance of the moment in verse 6 or Joseph’s response in verse 7. Meditate on the verse and its meaning within the context.

MEDITATE
How are God’s sovereignty and rule demonstrated throughout the course of Joseph’s life? Why might Joseph have chosen to conceal his identity?

PRAY
Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to extend love and forgiveness to any family members who may have wronged you.

CONTEMPLATE
After praying, consider the cross. Christ was rejected and despised by the very ones He came to save. Yet the Lord longs to be gracious, and He rises to show mercy at the sound of a repentant cry (Isaiah 30:18-10) Be willing to forgive and extend mercy.

(The Abide Bible, p. 62)

VI.
How was it?

Too directive? Not directive enough?

Did you find it “too preachy” or did it allow you enough freedom to enter the passage and experience it for yourself?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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