Examples

January 29, 2008

As we wrap up the end of Genesis, Jacob has passed away, but what legacy has he passed on to his children?

If you remember when Jacob returned to Esau, the brother whom he had tricked, he send the woman and children out before him as a message to his brother that all is well, here is a present. Now, Jacob has passed and his sons are afraid that Joseph will pay them back for selling him into slavery. So what do they do?

Genesis 50:15-16 JPS
(15) And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said: 'It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully requite us all the evil which we did unto him.'
(16) And they sent a message unto Joseph, saying: 'Thy father did command before he died, saying:

They sent a messenger. They did not go themselves. Their father had taught them well. Send someone else to do your work for you. Avoid the conflict at all cost.

And like Esau, Joseph did not need to concern himself with the messenger. He had given forgiveness even though they did not ask for it.

We who are parents are living examples to our children of what we should be. What example do we give to them.

Read through the Bible in historical order in one year:
Today
Genesis 48:1-50:26
Tomorrow
Exodus 1:1-3:22

If I may add a personal note here: 28 years ago today I was there for the birth of my first son. Today he is serving the Lord in Indonesia. I ask that you keep him in your prayers. God will protect him I know but a father asks for prayers for his son, especially in the spiritual environment he is in.