Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa for the thrilling climax of at least MOST of the story of the “Suffering Servant,” Yosef/Joseph, and how THE Plan of YHVH continues to play out, with Judah demonstrating what it means to “MAN UP!” — resulting in restoration of the brothers and their houses, lives saved, and — ultimately — a descent into bondage. (Parsha “Vayigash,” Genesis 44:18 – 47:27. And a look at the haftorah in Ezekiel 37, and a bit of Ephesians 5, too.)
The Erev Shabbat overview teaching is about the final installment of the journey to Mitzraim (Egypt) and the restoration saga, but with a perhaps disturbing implication:
The Sabbath Day teaching this week is focused on a specific aspect of the story of the man who represents a picture or aspect of the Meshiach to come. How is it that the very same man who literally saves the entire house of Israel, and was sent to “preserve life” at the same time looks to his brothers like a pagan, and ultimately initiates a process that leads to bondage?
The answer seems to relate to cycles that repeat, whether we like it or not, and what might seem like a contradiction (Ephesians chapter 5, or Ezekiel 37?) if we don’t look at the ‘bigger picture’ – in context. Especially in a ‘season’ like today.
