The Courage To Be Carried

Something changed for Jacob in his final night vision. In what we would expect to be one of his grandest moments, he lets loose of the reigns of his life.

God had changed his name from Jacob to Israel as he grew into himself, willing to directly confront every challenge. He lost the Israel all the years he believed Joseph dead. He had failed to confront his greatest adversary; his children. However, upon hearing the news that Joseph was alive and the ruler of Egypt, "The spirit of their father Jacob was revived. Israel said, 'How great! My son Joseph still lives! I shall go and see him before I die.' So, Israel set out..." When he learns that Joseph is alive, his spirit is revived, as is his name, Israel. It is Israel who leads the family on the first stage of their move to Egypt.

"God spoke to Israel in night visions and He said, 'Jacob! Jacob!'" God takes him back to being Jacob, as he was before he achieved his patriarchal status. It is not Israel who leads the family on the final stage of the move, it is Jacob, and, as Jacob, he does not lead the journey, but, "The Sons of Israel carried Jacob their father," the next generation takes the lead. He is no longer Israel the fighter, and he is no longer the Jacob who courageously tangled with Esau and Laban; he was now being carried by the Sons of Israel. Something changed for him in that night vision. Something that elevated him beyond Jacob or Israel to being the father of the Sons of Israel.

"Joseph shall place his hand on your eyes," your children will now assume responsibility to lead the family into the future. And Jacob let go. He had the courage to be carried.

It's difficult to let go of the reigns. The Maccabees refused to let go of power after their Chanukah victory, and as Kohanim (Priests), wrongfully assumed the role of king. They didn't have the courage to be carried. Jeremiah pleaded for years with the few Jews remaining in Judah to surrender to the Babylonians, and even as Jerusalem was under the siege we will commemorate in a few days, they tragically refused to let go of the reigns. It takes courage to be carried. Jacob had it. Many did not.

Jacob's work was not over. He sends Judah ahead to establish a school system for the family. He forms a pact with Pharaoh, defines the Twelve Tribes, and assigns their roles for the rest of history. He uses his deathbed to convey a vision of the ultimate destiny of his progeny. The man who was willing to be carried still had much to do, and lifted others higher than ever; the first hint of the magical relationship that we had with the Ark: We carried the Ark of the Covenant, but the Ark lifted those who carried it.

The Foundation Stone passed the 3.5 Million hit mark this week, our third birthday. We have successfully inspired many, carried them forward, answered questions, and offered direction. We ask that you help carry us forward by supporting our efforts and make your end-of-year tax deductible contribution so that we can carry more people even higher.