Description
Last week in Genesis we read about Joseph being sold into Egypt. Today we read of the reunion with his brothers many years later in Egypt. Joseph declares “God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5). This is repeated a few more times in the passage. It was part of God’s plan. In the other readings today, we see that God not only had a plan to save the Israelites but he has a plan of salvation and mercy for all peoples. “All people have disobeyed God, … But he does this so that he can have mercy on all of them.” (Romans 11:32). In the gospel reading from Matthew 15:(10-20), 21-28 we read about how through the faith of the Canaanite Woman, Jesus healed her daughter, thus showing God’s plan is not only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel but for all.
God sent me before you is an interactive reading of Genesis 45:1-15 which emphasises that God sent Joseph and includes some discussion starters for exploring the story.
All have disobeyed and House of Prayer for all Nations are both interactive prayer activities. In All have disobeyed everyone makes their own flexagon to use during the prayer and to remind them that though all disobey God doesn’t keep us as prisoners but saves us and God doesn’t take back the gifts he has given us. In several of our readings today we’re reminded that God’s salvation is for all and that God’s house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. In House of Prayer for all Nations a map of the world or globe is used in intercessory prayer.
Finally, it is suggested that Psalm 67 be used in the final blessing as it would have originally been used. Though we’ll add actions to use with this Psalm of blessing. Before the Psalm is read collectively, we can remember some of the messages from the other readings. Just as God used Joseph to preserve life, God has a plan of salvation and mercy for all. Although all have disobeyed, God judges with equity.
