Thursday, April 3, 2014
Exodus 1:6-22
Today’s reading brings us out of the personal drama of Jacob/Israel’s family to the story of the exodus that will have implications on the wider family of Israel as a people.
To understand the situation of the Hebrew people in Egypt - their situation of prosperity after Joseph’s governance, but also the persecution under those who would resent them - we need to have a familiarity with the Jacob-Joseph story. Most of us, thanks to our own reading, our experience in church, or because of Andrew Lloyd Webber, do. In reading today’s passage I was struck by verse 8: “Then there came to power in Egypt a new king who had never heard of Joseph (NJB).” Oh crud.
How might today’s story speak to us, in our contemporary situation(s)? Well, if the expression that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it is true, then maybe today’s reading suggests that those who do not know the past are destined to make new mistakes. The new ruler of Egypt did not know about the good things Joseph had done, nor did he know anything about God’s solidarity with the Hebrew people. He did not see anything beyond his immediate, isolated experience.
Maybe this little verse at the beginning of Exodus is calling us to a mature, well-rounded understanding of current events. To care enough about the future repercussions of our actions to approach issues and controversies with knowledge, seriousness, and a sense of responsibility. How often do we settle for headlines, split-second sound bytes, or cynical internet memes? Instead, may the enlightening Holy Spirit shed light in our lives and on the issues of the day. And may we have the courage and patience to listen.
-Matthew Kieswetter
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