But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head. He did it even though Ephraim was the younger son. He crossed his arms and put his left hand on Manasseh’s head. He did it even though Manasseh was the older son. -Genesis 48:14, NIRV
There was no reason to contact lawyers, counselors or even mediators to settle the open-adoption terms. Jacob was ready. He fought for the birthright, fought for his wife, fought for his blessing, and fought to see his grandchildren one last time. There was tears mixed with eye crust (did he had pinkeye?) as he saw his two children. Each of them had hopes. Each of them had dreams. Tears started running through their cheeks. The time for the blessing was soon to come.
But something swiftly blew his mind. It wasn't supposed to go this way! He wanted to run, to shut his father's voice from saying that prayer and chastise him for doing things wrong.
And an X appears on a pipe dream.
And an X is cast on the wrong choice.
And an X strikes him out of the most important game of his life.
For anyone, this is my fault, this is bad luck, this is a random choice. Slap a grin on my face, and nothing happened.
This is why Joseph thought his father was a lunatic. He knew how things were going; right now, what mess was he creating!? (Because desperate people can only think in terms of messes made.) Everything he knows is thrown to the wolves; what does he know of the way things worked in this world?
Like the prodigal son, he thought was entitled to have the bigger party.
Like Jonah, he believed he deserved to have some shade in a pumpkin to retreat from his frustrations.
Like Peter, he expected to follow it for the rest of his life.
But could he see that a cross was made in his favor? For the hurting. The despaired. And the brokenhearted. For those who messed up –like they did--, and for those who are dying because of righteousness –like they did. For those who die fighting, and for those who feel like a waste of space. For those who want that second chance, a cross was extended to the lesser man.
“I know, my son; I know”, Jacob whispered to his weeping son.