Thought for Today

Genesis 4:1 Now the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have produced a man with the help of the LORD."  

Genesis 4:18 To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael the father of Methushael, and Methushael the father of Lamech.

Matthew 1:15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.

Today is Cinco de Mayo, “Cinco de Mayo … Spanish for 'Fifth of May') is an annual celebration held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.” (en.wikipedia.org) All evidence to the contrary, it is not a holiday celebrating 2 for 1 margaritas.

Yesterday was Star Wars Day, “Star Wars Day is an informal commemorative day observed annually on May 4 to celebrate the Star Wars media franchise created by filmmaker George Lucas.” (ibid) All evidence to the contrary, it is not a holiday celebrating buying Star Wars related toys.

Hopefully, by now, you’re wondering what all of the holiday references have to do with the scriptures about genealogy and parenting. I’m thinking about that because last night my grandson sent me a text with a Star Wars Day joke. If you want to hear the joke, you’ll have to come to First Parish Church Sunday and ask me during Coffee Hour. I refuse to besmirch this discourse by perpetuating Dad jokes.

When I read that text last night, 2 thoughts immediately came to mind: (1) why is my grandson texting his grandfather late at night (obviously a short break from studying); and, (2) that the joke sounded like something his own father would send him. When I texted that to him, he immediately responded with a screenshot of his previously sending the joke to his father and his father’s responding that he should send it to me. Three generations of Henderson males sharing the same (unique? strange? skewed?) sense of humor.

I may have mentioned once (or a million times) that I am immensely proud of my children and grandchildren. And, like every grandparent, I am absolutely convinced that it is because of their uniqueness and obvious superiority, not merely that they are my children and grandchildren. I suspect the same has been true since Genesis 4:1.

Since the beginning of time, each succeeding generation has had to cope with the world created and left behind by the preceding generation. My own generation had to deal with the post-WWII world created by our parents. My children’s generation had to deal with the exploding evolution of the technology my generation built from the work of our ancestors. My grandchildren’s generation is having to deal with social media, AI and the still evolving world of computers, weaponry and economic unrest of our world.

I do not know whether or not Adam told Dad jokes. Did Enoch? We know so very little detail about Joseph. Much of what we think we do know is mere supposition. Was Joseph really much older than Mary? Did Joseph die early in Jesus’ youth? But we do have some knowledge about Joseph and can glean some knowledge about him from his obvious impact on Jesus’ own life.

From the birth narrative in Luke and from the story of the journey to Jerusalem when Jesus was 12, we know that Joseph was a kind, considerate and pious Jew, observing his duties as a man and as a child of God. From Jesus’ own words, we know the Jesus spent some time in the family carpentry shop, “Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." How else could Jesus have known the value of a light yoke?

This morning, as I reread the joke my grandson sent me, I am reminded once again of the duty of every mother and father to shape, guide and mold the lives of their children. I am aware of the great duty, honor and opportunity we have to influence the values, thoughts and lives of those in our care . . . even if it is only to pass along a love for odd humor and Dad jokes.

Stay safe, share your wisdom as you guide the young, trust God,

Pastor Ray