Favorite Bible Stories 1 - Joseph

I really love the story of Joseph. I watched one of the cinematic versions on TV last night and I always want to cry when he tells his brothers that he's Joseph and that he has forgiven him and then when he sees his father...*sniff*

I just think its a beautiful story, as well as one with many layers. You see the guilt the brothers have, their need for punishment. And I personally get annoyed with Jacob. If he hadn't played favorites, nothing would have happened. But then again, its kind of hard not to play favorites when you're tricked into marrying one woman when you love another.

I never quite understood how the Jews go from being honored in Egypt, with Joseph in such a high position to being slaves when Exodus comes around.

After sermon thoughts

The sermon yesterday morning was about how God loves us no matter what. And the pastor kept touching on the subject of how we feel unworthy of God's love.

I've never felt that way.

Honestly, there has never been a question in my mind that God loves me, flaws and all, and that Jesus died for my sins. (Even though I don't know if I personally believe in Jesus' divinity, I do believe that he was at least a messenger from God who died for me). Maybe I'm weird because I feel this way, considering how much the pastor emphasized the idea of not feeling worthy yesterday morning. He even talked about how the French have a saying that translates to "God's love is folly". And he talked about how people throughout the centuries have called God's love for his people 'crazy'. I don't see it that way at all. I just accept that God loves everyone, even the people that I may not think are worthy of it (like criminals).

Pastor: God loves you.
Me: Yes, I know.