On pythons and pharaohs
When Julian Lloyd Webber’s brother spoke to his older brother Andrew, and asked on behalf of his headmaster whether he could put together and end-of-year school musical for the following year, he set off an interesting train of events. Andrew rang his friend, Tim, who said ‘let’s use the story of Joseph’. This they duly did, and at the end of the Easter term in 1968, the resulting 15-minute musical was performed. By the following year it had expanded, and was performed in Westminster Central Hall, where Mr Lloyd Webber senior was the organist. It then became a stage show, a film, a hit musical from London to Broadway and beyond, and is still going over 40 years later. Tim Rice picked a cracking story – with everything from family jealousies and power plays to sex, imprisonment and famine.
I have enjoyed preaching on the Biblical story during the month of October. Joseph is an intriguing character, a vital link in the chain of promise which stretches all the way from Abram to Jesus. Not only that, but he may well have left his mark on ancient Egyptian life. Some believe that Pharaoh Akhenaten (pictured below right) was Joseph’s grandson, Intriguingly,during his reign he insisted that only one true God should be worshipped…
At this evening’s service I reach the cathartic moment in Genesis 45 the Joseph story where his identity is revealed to his brothers. The remarkable thing is his complete lack of any rancour towards his brothers or to God. Since their last meeting he has been thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused of attempted rape, forgotten about in prison for at least two years before finally being released. In all of this, he chooses to see the good. This generosity of spirit and outlook is so astonishing as to almost seem preposterous.
This is where my ‘idle’ moment comes in. Reading the passage and preparing the sermon I could not get former Python, Eric Idle and his song , out of my head. What, exactly, is it that makes Joseph’s words any different to Idle singing ‘always look on the bright side of life’? (Which you can hear if you click on the image below). I believe there are answers, but I would LOVE to know what yours are.
Suggestions on a postcard, or in the comments box, please…sermon is at 6.30pm!
Images: suchsmallthings &amarnaproject
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