Oaths and promises. Scripture, reflection and prayer

Genesis 50:22-26 .

Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father’s family. He lived a hundred and ten years and saw the third generation of Ephraim’s children. Also the children of Makir son of Manasseh were placed at birth on Joseph’s knees. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.

Reflection.  There is a lively picture here of grandchildren being placed on an old man's knees. Can you just picture that yourself? You must have seen the pride in a grandparent's face as they first hold the next generation. This picture in Scripture is so 'real.'  These are real people doing very human things.

And the passage has more; the reminder of God's oath, God's covenant oath, to these peoples' ancestors. God is their God and He will come to their aid. We become part of the story. Are we struggling? God will come to our aid.

Prayer. Lord God Almighty, thank you for such a homely picture of family. May we delight in our families. May we delight in you. In Jesus's name. Amen.