Seeking Simplicity from Complexity

Scripture: These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. He is not listed in the genealogy according to birthright. Although Judah became strong among his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright was given to Joseph. 1 Chronicles 5:1-2

Observation: The position and treatment of Reuben is complicated. He is the firstborn of Jacob. He is born to Leah at a time she is 'unloved' by Jacob, though we know later Leah is honored in her burial as the first wife of Jacob. There is this issue of Reuben's defilement of Jacob's bed. One interpretation is that he slept with Bilhah, Rachel's maid and mother of Dan and Naphtali.

Another interpretation is that he literally destroyed Bilhah's bed so that Jacob would stop sleeping with her and thus favor his mother Leah. There is a Jewish tradition that he was truly penitent of this by taking oaths associated with fasting and daily meditation, confessed his sin to protect his brothers, and made it his life's mission to protect his brothers as the eldest despite the punishment from his father. Reuben is the one who convinces the other brothers not to kill Joseph, lament's Joseph's sale/disappearance, and interprets famine as punishment from God.

For all of this, he loses his birthright to Joseph, loses ancestral leadership to Judah and Levi (both also son's of Leah), and (by their choice) his tribe becomes one of the tribes that does not cross the Jordan.

Reuben is complicated. He might be conniving and lustful, violating his stepmother's maid and manipulating circumstances to gain forgiveness and position. He might be misunderstood, seeking only to protect his mother and later his entire family while actively practicing reverence to God to forgive any misdeeds. Today, while limited texts and documented traditions remain, only God knows for certain.

Application: God knows the truth of all people's circumstances. He knows the truth about me. He knows I seek good, but am very flawed. He knows I truly want to love others, while often thinking poorly of others. He knows I am a joyful and funloving person, who is way too quick to anger. God knows I am ... complicated.

I wish I was simple. Complexity comes from being dual-minded - a problem Paul wrote about several times - seeking to do one thing, but yet doing something else. This complexity is the source of many sorrows in all lives, including mine. I do wish I could find a way to be single-threaded in my thinking, with that thread being to follow the way of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, please simplify my mind and my heart. I ask that you help me to place all things into the single context of Jesus' love and your kingdom on earth. May my every thought and deed begin and end with the focus on "thy will be done". Amen.