September 4, 2008 - Acts 7:9

“’Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him…’” Acts 7:9.
Stephen continues his defense by discussing the highlights of Hebrew history. In his relating, Stephen talks of Joseph, son of Jacob, telling the story of how he was sold into slavery by his twelve brothers. These were the same men who were to become the patriarchs of the Hebrew faith. The twelve tribes of Israel were named after these twelve men. And, after they unsuccessfully tried to kill Joseph, these “Patriarchs” sold him into slavery. It is a good thing that God was with him, because it is certain that his brothers were not!
Usually in retelling of our history, we tend to ignore the blemishes and only see the wonderful things that occurred. An example of this is what I have read about American history growing up. Our forefathers could do no wrong in my history books, and men like Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin were revered and unblemished. These were America’s patriarchs. As I am getting older, I realized that these men, while involved in some extraordinary moments of history, were people not too unlike you and me. They had their flaws. In the recounting of Hebrew history, it is refreshing that the blemishes are there for all to see and to read about in the Bible. These people are real people dealing with real to life problems and family “issues”, just like you and me.
Questions to consider: Can you identify with the “Patriarchs” in Stephen’s story? How does it make you feel knowing that the Bible tells us stories of heroic people who have flaws and blemishes? Does this help you to embrace your own?
Prayer: Father, thank You for allowing flawed people to write about other flawed people in the Bible. Thank You that the history in the Bible tells us stories of real people dealing with real problems. This helps me to face and embrace mine. Please give me the grace and strength to make the changes in my life that will help me be a more fully devoted follower of You. Amen.