The story of Joseph is a roller-coaster to be sure. Sold by his brothers into slavery, Joseph eventually found his way into a position of great power in Egypt, a position that would allow him to help those same brothers in a time of famine.
Joseph’s story, along with many others, tell us of what we are capable of with God’s guidance even in the worst of situations. It’s not my in my theology to say that God’s plan includes the terrible things we humans do to one another, or even the acts of nature that ravage parts of the world, but I do believe that God calls to us in the midst of those times, inspiring us to a path of light and hope. The sound of a GPS saying, “recalculating” comes to mind.
Let us be reminded again of the transformation that can take place in our lives when we reach out to God, to the one who first reaches for us.
Psalm 105:5-6, 16-22:
Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of his servant Abraham, children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
When he summoned famine against the land, and broke every staff of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters, his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord kept testing him.
The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions, to instruct his officials at his pleasure, and to teach his elders wisdom.
God of the Journey, we see your footsteps in the days that have gone by: your loving acts, your gifts of grace, your calls to prophets. We feel your presence with us here today, guiding our feet, holding our hands, whispering your path to us. We see you waiting for us in the unknown, the mist that shrouds our tomorrows.
Remind us that even on the darkest of days, you seek to bring your radiant light. When we falter in our journey to your eternal embrace, or in those times when we are cast from the path by another, speak again to us that we might find our way to you.
Help us to serve, even in our hurting.
Lead us to shine bright with your love light, even when we feel lost.
Show us the way, even when we feel surrounded by obstacles.
You are Healer, Helper, and Hope-Bringer. Let us never forget that your hands are always at work, your voice always speaking, your love always pouring forth. This prayer we offer in the name of Christ our companion on the road. AMEN