Getting the “Backstory”

In all, Jacob had seventy descendants in Egypt, including Joseph, who was already there.

Exodus 1:5

A Word of Explanation

So far in these Daily Reflections, we’ve considered Genesis, Matthew, Isaiah, and Romans. My basic pattern is to move from the Old Testament to the New Testament, back to the Old, then to the New, and so on. For the sake of variety, I have chosen also to cycle back and forth between historical texts (Genesis, Matthew, etc.) and prophetic or pastoral texts (Isaiah, Romans, etc.). If the Lord blesses me with long life, my hope is to work bit by bit through the entire Scripture. Today we begin our study of Exodus.

Today’s Reflection

In 1977, George Lucas released his blockbuster film Star Wars. As millions of viewers and I delighted in the exploits of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and company, we knew that we had stumbled into the middle of a story. Yet we were able to enjoy Star Wars in its own right, even though we didn’t get the “backstory” for more than twenty years. (Note: “Backstory” is a term used in Hollywood for the earlier life of a character in a film, that which is implied or sometimes revealed in flashbacks.) When George Lucas finally produced the three Stars Wars films that narrated the earlier life of the Skywalker clan, we were able to grasp more deeply the tragedy of Darth Vader’s evil character and the wonder of his ultimate redemption.

Exodus begins by pointing back to Genesis and the story of Joseph and his family in Egypt. Of Joseph we learn only that he was already in Egypt when his family arrived (v. 5). Now if that’s all you know about Joseph, you can still discern the main points of Exodus. But if you know something of how Joseph ended up in Egypt, and how God both used and blessed him there, and how his family experienced healing and reunification in Egypt, then you’ll be able to read the story of Exodus with deeper insight. Even as God used for good the terrible things that happened to Joseph (Gen. 50:20), so he will do again in Exodus, this time with a whole people. So it helps to get the backstory.

The same is true in our human relationships. At Laity Lodge, we often invite people to share the stories of their lives. I’ve had the privilege of hearing people’s backstories, which can often be quite surprising. The woman who looks like she has it all together was once abandoned by her mother and struggled with a drug addiction. The man who has accomplished so much in his life had to overcome the trauma of an abusive father. And so on, and so on. Hearing people’s stories helps me not only to know them better, but also to see God’s grace more clearly.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Do you listen for people’s backstories? How does your backstory demonstrate the grace of God? Do you ever share this story with others?

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, yes, Joseph was “already there.” How much meaning is packed into this simple phrase! He was already there because of your amazing plan for his life. He was already there because he was sold into slavery by his own brothers. He was already there as a slave who became a powerful ruler. He was already there as one who brought healing to his broken family. What an amazing backstory!

Today I thank you, Father, for the extraordinary legacy of Laity Lodge. For decades, this has been a safe place for people to open their lives to others. In the telling of human stories we have been moved to tears and laughter. Most of all, we have been reminded of your amazing grace.

Help me, Father, in my work and also in my relationships with friends old and new, to listen well to the backstories of others. May I be one who is genuinely curious, who creates a safe place for people to open their lives. Thus may I know people more intimately and truly. And may you receive all the glory. Amen.