The lesson recounts Joseph...
Illustration
Object:
The lesson recounts Joseph being sold into slavery, the beginning of Israel's slavery in Egypt. Slavery is still a problem to this day. A 2007 U.S. State Department estimated that there are 27 million people worldwide who are enslaved. Here in the States many of the (grand)sons and daughters of the slaves remained scarred by this evil institution. How else can we explain the fact that while 1 in 7 Americans live in poverty, more than 1 in 4 black Americans endure that state? In 2012 African Americans reportedly comprised 30% of the American population as a whole, however, 60% of those in jail were black. Racism seems alive and well, and those whites insisting African Americans in their communities "get over it" are just exacerbating the problems. This text will not let us forget this data.
Famed black liberation theologian James Cone invites us all to address the problems by becoming black (for our text shows that this is God's will). He writes: "...blackness is the primary mode of God's presence..." Blackness in Cone's view is making sure "your heart, your soul, your mind, and your body are where the dispossessed are..." (Black Theology and Black Power, pp. vii, p. 217). God is on the side of the victims of slavery and that is where we and the church belong!
Martin Luther made a similar point, a word of comfort to those like Joseph and his people who have been victims. In the sacraments and the word of God, he contends, those oppressed hear God proclaim: "I am the Lord your God, do not be troubled! I will care for you! Cast your care on me!" (Luther's Works, Vol. 6, p. 364).
A God who carries the cares of the oppressed is a God with people who will overcome!
Famed black liberation theologian James Cone invites us all to address the problems by becoming black (for our text shows that this is God's will). He writes: "...blackness is the primary mode of God's presence..." Blackness in Cone's view is making sure "your heart, your soul, your mind, and your body are where the dispossessed are..." (Black Theology and Black Power, pp. vii, p. 217). God is on the side of the victims of slavery and that is where we and the church belong!
Martin Luther made a similar point, a word of comfort to those like Joseph and his people who have been victims. In the sacraments and the word of God, he contends, those oppressed hear God proclaim: "I am the Lord your God, do not be troubled! I will care for you! Cast your care on me!" (Luther's Works, Vol. 6, p. 364).
A God who carries the cares of the oppressed is a God with people who will overcome!
