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I feel silly asking, like I should know the answer, but when was Joseph enslaved by evil?

Great story. Thanks! One of these days you're going to be able to publish RLP's New Testament!

As always, your interpretive take on the Gospels is fascinating and fun. Like I said before, I am very interested in your view on this subject. There is no way that I could explain my thoughts in 6 minutes. But you are obviously more well versed than I, so, guess I will just have to wait for the vid.

Michael

"Defeating evil is always shockingly expensive."

That line's going to stick with me for a good long time. I feel like I could nearly see Jesus sitting there, apologetic yet intent, in the aftermath. Thanks for this.

Simon

Amonymous--the Joseph referred to in the story is the Old Testament Joseph (the one with the Technicolor Dreamcoat). His brothers sold him into slavery before he eventually ended up in a position of power in the Egyptian government.

RLP--WOW!!! As always, good stuff. I'm a long-time reader, but first-time comment poster. Thanks for your take on this story.

Hmmm, Anonymous User #2, this is Anonymous User #1. I knew all that about Joseph, but when RLP said, "enslaved by evil" I read it as "he himself did evil things"--sort of like the way Daimonias was enslaved by evil--and I knew he hadn't done that, so I was confused as to whether I had the right Joseph (although the New Testament Joseph was even more inconceivable!). I do think Joseph is a great name to use for this story--the fact that he remained faithful throughout his enslavement is key--I guess I just might have worded it a wee bit differently since I had that immediate reaction like "Joseph wasn't evil!" even though i see what RLP meant. (Hope this is construed as constructive criticism!!! I tend to take things overly literally; that's probably the problem!)

Thanks! Giddy (this time I"ll use a name!)

Anyway

I'm sad that I'll miss the commentary on evil, etc. It doesn't matter whether I use a high-speed connection or not - I am endlessly unable to access your videos.

Kalamazoo Andee

Any thoughts about why the loss of the pigs was "necessary"?

Giddy--lol...this is Anonymous User #2. This time I'M not anonymous either!!! Sorry if my post came off as condescending...I wasn't sure without knowing you what kind of Bible background you may have had, and figured I'd err on the side of caution.

Anyway, that was an interesting (and cool, IMO) turn of phrase RLP used, the double meaning of "enslaved by evil", and I see where you were coming from with your initial confusion.

Good to meet (e-meet?) ya! God bless!

http://lutheranhusker.blogspot.com

"Defeating evil is always shockingly expensive." The most dramatic line of the story, no doubt, and instructive as well. For me though, the line that gave me hope was the sentence immediately following it: "But this child of God was worth it." Probably an obvious thought for most of you more advanced followers, but for me it was a second where I was "cracked open" along with the story.

And those pigs! I have lots of questions about that part--can't wait for the video.

Kait

"Defeating evil is always shockingly expensive. But this child of God was worth it."

The Gospel in two sentences. This will preach. Suddenly I am feeling so very very humble that God would go to such an expense for "this" child of God.

Wonderful story telling.

Amazing the love and complexity of God.

Thank you, preacher

Ditto on the "shockingly expensive" part...I didn't even continue reading for a few moments, pondering that for a second. Incredible line.

Wow. I'm sorry I have nothing more to add- just, Wow. Thanks, preacher.

Amazingly good! Worth the wait, even! I've been checking since I read the first half waiting for the second - is the gap deliberate to torture us?

Another vote for my favourite line: "Defeating evil is always shockingly expensive." Ah yes, so it is.

I also love how you made Jesus give him a name, and not just any old name either, but a hero's name. A name to grow into and to live up to. I also find it interesting that he still had to go back and live inhis own village with the consequences of what had happened. It is a powerful testimony to God's work, but it would have been pretty tough on him! I can see why he might have preferred to leave it all behind and go with Jesus.

Fantastic stuff, as ever - many thanks!

Elizabby (Australia)

As one who has been caught at the cash register with too little in my wallet, I completely understand the shockingly high price that is oftentimes paid in the quest for righteousness.

Brilliant phrase, preacher, brilliant.