Redemption’s origin story
Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:
What did I like about today's reading?
It’s time to get out your technicolour dreamcoat and sing along with Jason Donovan, Philip Schofield, Gareth Gates, Joe McElderry or… how many Josephs can you name? (Lots of answers here!)
After looking at the origins of life, good and evil, struggles, love and grace, the last and biggest story in Genesis might be one of the most important origin stories for us. It’s about redemption – how a life can seem to have been valueless and lost, but transform into something with massive world-changing value when God reshapes what people throw away.
I like that Joseph wasn't afraid to dream and share about it. It's not hard to see why he might have got beaten up, but it turns out that he wasn't just showing off a young ego. He saw real visions from God about the future which were important for him to know. Prophets, who hear from God and pass on what they hear, are often badly received by people and look a bit odd in a group, but God always looks after people who honour him.
What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
God doesn't get much of a mention in these chapters, but I can see him getting Joseph ready for an incredible life. His redemption story isn’t just encouraging for people who are treated unfairly, but it points forward to Jesus, the rejected and suffering servant who would ultimately redeem us all, showing the immense value God places on us.
What am I going to do differently as a result?
Pay more attention to things God might want to say to me, directly or through other people. Sometimes I can’t see the value that God places on things which I ignore or reject. Prophecy is one way of hearing from God about this, but I shouldn’t need to be reminded that the people God loves (all people!) have more value than I sometimes credit.
Who am I going to share this with?
How God values us and how we value ourselves and each other is a big topic. I’m writing more about it and sharing online in a blog (maybe a book one day!) called “You And Your Million Pound Notes”. If you’re interested, there’s a link on my website, bernleckie.com