Read Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28

Though Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son, his jealous brothers sold him into slavery.  What feelings are aroused by Jacob’s sons plotting revenge on Joseph (vv. 18 and following)? By Reuben’s rescue attempt and sense of loss (vv. 21f, and 29f)? By Judah’s successful intervention (vv. 26f)? By Joseph’s actual fate (vv. 28, 36)? Can you imagine some of Joseph’s, and also his father Jacob’s “if-only’s” as this story comes to pass? What is one of your biggest regrets (“if only…”)? How has God acted in the ensuing time since?

Prayer for the week

God of awe, from whom we flee in holy terror:  your silence burns like ice; your whisper cuts through fear; we long to hear your faithful word of righteousness and peace.  Bless us with bold believe even in the darkness of the night and the assault of life’s storms, that we may be messengers of your justice, in the name of the One whom wind and wave obey.  Amen.