Manasseh and Ephraim

Joseph was the Biblical "poster child" of injustice.  Sold into slavery by his brothers, his fate is lied about to his father.  He then is wrongly accused and thrown into prison where he is continually forgotten about.  

Then God does what he does best...binds up the brokenhearted, proclaims freedom for the captives, and releases from darkness for the prisoners.  Bestowing a crown of beauty instead of ashes. (Isaiah 61)

Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph...(he) named his firstborn Manasseh and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."        (Genesis 41:50-52)

The kids I work with have more injustice in their lives than I know what to do with.  Almost all are in poverty in a single parent home, having no clue where their dad is.  There is often neglect and abuse, and they are taught that things such as violence, drugs and brokenness are the norm.  They are the brokenhearted, the captive, the imprisoned.  

But God does what he does best...binds up the brokenhearted, proclaims freedom for the captives, and releases from darkness for the prisoners.  Bestowing a crown of beauty instead of ashes.

So this past week when I was preparing to teach at SOZO Kids about Joseph, I was reminded afresh that there is more to these kids' stories than what I have yet seen.  There is healing and freedom for each of them, regardless of what their life looks like now.  I know that I may not get to see the fullness of restoration in the kids that I work with, but I am confident that He will provide a "Manasseh" and "Ephraim" for each of them. 

Below you can see a glimpse of our small group time, talking about Joseph's story this past week.