May the mumbling commence!
As I read through Moses’ song of blessing for Israel, I couldn’t help but notice the special attention given to Joseph. Yes, he represents two tribes (Manasseh and Ephraim), but there are five verses devoted to him. Most of the rest of the tribes (seven of them) get only one verse. Levi gets five verses. Gad and Asher get two. It seems that Joseph continues to get favored treatment! Read from the portion of Moses’ Blessing Song from Deuteronomy chapter thirty-three:
Moses said this about the tribes of Joseph:
"May their land be blessed by the Lord
with the choice gift of rain from the heavens,
and water from beneath the earth;
with the riches that grow in the sun,
and the bounty produced each month;
with the finest crops of the ancient mountains,
and the abundance from the everlasting hills;
with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness,
and the favor of the one who appeared in the burning bush.
May these blessings rest on Joseph's head,
crowning the brow of the prince among his brothers.
Joseph has the strength and majesty of a young bull;
his power is like the horns of a wild ox.
He will gore distant nations,
driving them to the ends of the earth.
This is my blessing for the multitudes of Ephraim
and the thousands of Manasseh." (Verses 13-17)
Just look at the blessing! It’s overwhelming. There is talk about choice gifts and riches and bounty. Only the finest for Joseph! And the finest will be in abundance.
And, as if that weren’t enough, Joseph is also recognized as a prince among his brothers. He’s a prince with strength and majesty and power. His descendants will and thousands to a multitude.
So, what about Levi? He got nearly as many verses with five. Well, those verses are devoted to his service before the Lord for the people and to their role as teachers. It’s a different kind of wealth to be sure – a more enduring one. But, I could understand if the other tribes would become jealous of Ephraim and Manasseh.
As Jesus tells us, we are to understand leadership and kingship in a different way than the world does. Read from Luke chapter twenty-two:
"But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For I, the Son of Man, must die since it is part of God's plan. But how terrible it will be for my betrayer!" Then the disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.
And they began to argue among themselves as to who would be the greatest in the coming Kingdom. Jesus told them, "In this world the kings and great men order their people around, and yet they are called 'friends of the people.' But among you, those who are the greatest should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Normally the master sits at the table and is served by his servants. But not here! For I am your servant. You have remained true to me in my time of trial. And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in that Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Verses 21-30)
To think the way of the world is a betrayal to Christ Jesus. Purge such thoughts from our mind, O Lord. We want to be devoted to service to you. Help us to deny the earthly lure of wealth and power.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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