Stars and dreams

This summer holiday, we took our boys sightseeing in London, and went to see 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.'  It was a spectacular piece of entertainment, and such a treat following so many restrictions.

As expected, the theatre version is rather different to Joseph's original story in the Bible.  Loosely covering Genesis 37 and 39-46, the musical portrays Joseph as an unfortunate guy whose talent eventually leads to his big break.  'Any dream will do' is the dominant refrain, and the perfect ingredient for theatre feel good factor.  A musical is a work of art, to be appreciated and enjoyed for what it is—and that we did!

For most of us, our nighttime dreams are a mixture of garbled happenings in not-quite places, that at best might hint at some of what plays on our minds when awake!  To some extent though, we all have expectations and hopes, the potential fulfillment of which can hugely impact our feelings, priorities, and choices.  As with Joseph's dreams, the source of these is enormously significant.

I've never been one for a 5-year plan, but I carry a lot of passion, which over time, has formed into something of a 'vision.'  However, during some of life's wearier moments, I've found myself questioning my whole direction and priority.  Whether through temporary discouragement, depressive illness, or sheer tiredness, at times I've imagined being more 'comfortable.'  By making a few changes, I could easily earn a bigger pay cheque and drive a better car, whilst gaining time to socialise, be a more attentive mum, and maybe even keep the house cleaner.  Instead, I (actually, we) prioritise my theology studies and formation, with no defined 'need' or end 'goal,' and to the bafflement, I suspect, of many looking on.

What has this to do with Joseph?  Well, I find it interesting that the starring role in the musical is actually that of the narrator.  She weaves into each scene to tell the story, but take her out, and all we lose is entertainment value.  In contrast, the musical makes no mention of God, and so changes the story completely.  Without God, Joseph the dreamer seems at best deluded.  Without God, Joseph the slave stands little chance of resisting seduction—and consequent imprisonment makes sense in that culture.  Without God, of course it's Joseph's own giftedness that eventually earns him prestige anyway.  Without God, it's kinda all about Joseph.

What sense does my life make apart from God's purposes?  I work hard, and achieve things.  On the other hand, from birth I've had enormous privileges that I didn't choose and could never have earned.  There's plenty to enjoy, as well as a fair bit that I struggle with; indeed, sometimes life's greatest joys and deepest cries collide.  If measuring self-betterment in relation to cost or effort, I reckon I'd be way under any 'success' radar.  Without God, it seems I'm just one of billions of accidental beings, doing my best in life, but in ways that don't exactly add up.

Whilst not overtly apparent in every scene, the Bible points to God's purposes threaded through Joseph's life.   Joseph finds his significance in the much greater story of God, who works to create, preserve and multiply a people with whom to dwell, and through whom to bless the world.

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The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.  Genesis 39:2

The [prison] warder paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.  Genesis 39:23

Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I had a dream, and no-one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.’ ‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’ Genesis 41:15‭-‬16

Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.  Genesis 45:4‭-‬5

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So here's the thing: it makes a lovely theme tune, but can we truly say that 'any dream will do?'  I could pursue career progression, model motherhood, domestic bliss, even perhaps educational qualifications (though definitely not all simultaneously!), but however admirable, will any of these 'do' as a dream to give my life to?  Whilst it's good to identify priorities and be intentional about them, if I base my identity there—or in the human recognition that I might associate with such dreams—I'm horribly at risk of falling apart.

When facing challenges that could potentially undermine some of my dreams, I choose to allow God to search my heart (ohh, that sounds far easier than it really is).  I've found—repeatedly and very recently—that through facing up to what makes such threats so painful, there's a new opportunity to find my identity and purpose in God.  As I rest back into sheer Love, the vision that remains is not mine to strive for, but to confidently leave in God's hands.⬦

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