Friday, July 14, 2023
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Hang on, we’re moving to Egypt!
Israel (Jacob) set out with all that was his. The sons of Israel (all those guys likeBenjamin, Judah, Reuben, Gad and the rest, who became the 12 Tribes of Israel) put their father and their wives and children on the wagons Pharaoh had sent. They took their livestock and all their possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan.
We often carry a lot of stuff with us when we go anywhere. But when we moved to Austin we did it all in our Prius hatchback. Andi found many things for us through her Buy Nothing group, which at the time was very active. But we needed a truck only twice, once for a mattress and once for a loveseat, for just a couple of hour each time. I guess I’m still pretty impressed that we did that.
So Jacob and all his descendants migrated to Egypt. His sons and grandsons, his daughters and grand-daughters (do we know anything about those daughters and granddaughters??) – all his descendants – he took with him to Egypt.
When we got here, the apartment was empty and beautiful. It’s still beautiful, when it’s straightened up. But we are happily surrounded by lots of useful parts to our lives. If (or rather when) we move again, we might need a truck this time. I hope we move in one of the cooler months. In Austin on Wednesday it was 109 degrees.
Joseph hitched the horses to his chariot and rode to meet his father Israel in Goshen. When Joseph saw Jacob he flung himself on his neck and wept a long time in his arms.
As often as I can on the way back to Austin from Illinois, I stop at the Tomitas to say hello before coming back to our own home. I do that mostly because Jasper and Miles, especially Jasper, throw their arms around my legs and hold on tight while I walk into the house, happy to drag their joyous bodies along. This is such goodness, the touch that we all love most of the time! I could not much live without it. Like Joseph, I am replete with emotion, which need to be expressed and be received and be reciprocated, often physically, in the ways of touch.
Trust in the Lord and do good, that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Jacob had troubles in his life, many of which he brought upon himself. Standing on the ground in Egypt, Joseph rescued him, held him, loved him, and sent him on.
Israel (Jacob) said to Joseph, “At last I can die, now that I have seen for myself that Joseph is still alive.” The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
(Genesis 46, Psalm 37, John 16, Matthew 10)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
#
