i just read through the list of Jacob’s sons in Genesis. its interesting that as i read those names, they are more than just pronouns. there is a vast history that is now encompassed by them. because i know the rest of the story. i read Levi and think of the Levitical preisthood, the keepers of the Temple, those who birthed a line of Pharisees and teachers of the law. and Judah, being referenced later as Isaiah talks about the Messiah being a Lion of Judah, his scandalous past and his regret over the treatment of his little brother, Joseph. and holy cow, Joseph! his story of slavery, jail, and then rising to great power and the abilities God gave him. and that from these 12 men – an entire people would experience the hand of God as He led them out of exile, into a desert, drove out people groups before them, settled them in a land of milk and honey, allowed them to be conquered, oppressed by Romans and eventually from them would come a Messiah… what an incredible story!
but my guess? they had no idea. for them, they were just living life… tending cattle and sheep, taking wives, having babies, feasting and partying, going to temple sacrifices… their lives were not extraordinary to them.
but from them… a history changing momentum was birthed.
as i sit here and think about that, i’m blown away by what that might mean for me. i’m just doing life. nothing more, nothing less. but i want it to be more. and in my culture, for me, that means some sort of renown or fortune.
but what if my life is building a glory that i am unaware of that will come down the line…
beautiful! It makes me yearn for more…