First Thursday in Lent :: Evening

 Today has been pretty decent. Time to look at this evening's scriptures.

1st Reading: Genesis 37

2nd Reading: Romans 14

Psalms: 78, Pt 2

Collect (p 183)

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

My Thoughts:

In Genesis, we've skipped over a chapter that is a list of Esau's descendants. That makes sense, because it's kind of an interruption to the story we're really following. This passage, then, is the beginning of the story of Joseph. I don't feel much like recounting the story tonight, but we get up to where Joseph has been sold into slavery and his brothers have told their father Joseph was killed. I will say that I have always thought Joseph was a bit thick. Don't tell your siblings that you're having dreams that you're going to be the boss of them someday, that's a bad idea, especially when you're obviously Dad's favourite. Like, come on, dude.

In Romans we're being told not to judge others. This is specifically about treating others well, about offering respect to everyone. We belong to God, and that's who is our final judge. (I don't think this applies to things like legislation. If you break the law of the land, you're gonna be judged by those who are tasked with upholding said law. But in the spiritual world, we answer to God.) Following on that, we are also told not to cause others to stumble. The practical examples given here are really specifically about expectations. Don't throw obstacles in others' way. Whether or not people fast, or pray, or attend church services, or whatever-all-else you've decided is vital to a full spiritual life, that's none of your business. Keep your nose to yourself and let God and your fellow believers work things out together.

The Psalm continues the history lesson from this morning. Learn from the past, understand what God has done, and do your best to become who you were created to be.

Putting this together, I think there's a lot of advice given. I also think that this advice can really be condensed into "do what God wants you to do and don't mess with other people's relationships with God." Which makes sense, and I like it, especially since I've been reading more back entries today. There is a lot to learn from my past.