Old Testament reading: Genesis 48-50
“Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num 32:23). Today’s reading details Jacob’s last words given to his sons. It is not appropriate to refer to these words as “Jacob’s blessing,” as his three eldest sons were not blessed, but rather cursed. “Unstable as water” is Jacob’s description of his eldest, Reuben. Reuben had committed fornication with his father’s concubine, and Jacob knew it, though he said nothing at the time (35:22). I find this interesting as it was Reuben who intended to save Joseph from his brothers’ evil intent (37:22). On the other hand (again), Reuben also went along with the deceit concerning Joseph’s “death.” Simeon and Levi, Jacob’s next two sons, were also cursed by their father concerning their treachery and deceit in the Dinah incident (Gen 34). The lesson here for us is clear – though we may believe no one has seen our sins and transgressions, God most certainly sees all things, even the hidden things of the heart, and ultimately a price must be paid for our lack of self control.
New Testament reading: Mark 11-12
“My Lord was neither a sissy nor a hippie.” I often remind our people of these truths as many have hijacked the biblical Jesus and replaced Him with a mash up of Doonesbury and Ghandi. Mark 11 reveals that our Lord was not afraid of controversy. Jesus publicly debated and refuted the errors of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He called these sectarians out loudly and publicly, manifesting to the people their shameful hypocrisy and abuse of the common man. Perhaps this is why Mark records that “the common people heard Him gladly” (12:37). show us the final polemic encounters of our Lord just before his betrayal and crucifixion. Moreover, Jesus was unafraid to get physical if the situation called for it. His cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:15-17) reveals our Lord as a strong physical presence. Mark tells us that Jesus not only overturned the tables of the moneychanger and those selling goods, He drove them out. Jesus cleared the house of God. Furthermore, He exercised Himself as a divine bouncer, not permitting anyone to carry their wares and goods through the temple. My Lord was meek and lowly, but my Lord was also a man.
Leave a Reply