This post is dated November 5, which is when it will be published, and I expect a lot of people to actually read it on November 6. But I am actually sitting here writing this week’s thought on Monday, November 2. Election day hasn’t happened yet. None of the results have started coming in. I’m still completely unaware of what may be decided (or not) by the time anyone reads this. And I decided to write it early because I may just not have the motivation to write by Thursday. Maybe I will. But I expect this week to be rough for everyone in the country. A season of famine, so to speak, as our candidates use a last few days to take swipes at each other. We have different seasons as a people, as a Church, as individuals. So I’ll tell you a familiar story of feast and famine the way it’s explained by our Preschool Bible.
Joseph had 12 sons. But he had only one colorful robe. He gave it to Joseph. Joseph showed off his father’s gift. His older brothers grumbled. They felt angry and jealous. They didn’t want Joseph around. They found a way to get rid of him. But God was with Joseph and kept him safe. Many years later, the brothers did not have enough to eat. They traveled far away to find food. They didn’t recognize the man who had food to share. “It’s me!” Joseph told his brothers. I forgive you for being angry. I want to help you.”
Joseph experienced a feast of gifts from his father and a famine of brotherly love. But when his family experienced a literal famine later on, he offered them not just food, but the feast of forgiveness. No matter what season you’re in right now, the best way to experience the feast of God’s love is to offer it to someone around you. Amen.
Image and Bible Story Credit: Frolic Preschool Bible, published by SparkHouse.
