Thunderbird Lake State Park, Norman, Oklahoma
They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come upon us.” Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.” They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter. (Joseph) turned away from them and began to weep, but then turned back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes. ~ Genesis 42:21-24 Reuben is son #1. If you recall, he’s the one who wanted to help Joseph, not so much because he wanted to save him, but more because he wanted to regain firstborn status with his father, Jacob. Simeon is son #2. It was Simeon and Levi (son #3) who slew an entire town to avenge their sister. So now Joseph hears that Reuben wanted to save him (irregardless of motive). It’s entirely possible that Joseph never knew that, and now that he knows, he decides to keep Simeon instead. We also know that Joseph pleaded with them for his very life, and they ignored his cries. To me, they don’t sound very distressed about what they did to Joseph, only that now they believe the ‘payment’ for their crime is forthcoming. I don’t know how they’ve been living with what they did. And what about Joseph? Is he weeping because of the memories this has brought back? Is he weeping because he now knows that at least Reuben made an attempt to save him? Is he weeping because his heart is softening towards them? What do you think? Have you experienced delayed consequences for sin? Sin and wickedness always reap their reward – whether in this life or the next. Unless you have Jesus standing in the gap for you. Do you truly know the Great Mediator?
Our trek across Oklahoma took us 164 miles in 3 hours and dumped us in Sequoyah State Park (as in the famous Cherokee, not the trees). I’d say it’s near Tulsa, but Tulsa’s about a 40-minute drive northeast of where we staying.
It was windy (No way! She said, sarcastically.), and this time the wind wasn’t our friend. Blaine had to wrestle our 34,000# monster most of the way.
But we passed through a couple of notable places.
Do you remember Merle Haggard’s, “I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee”? It seems he never lived there, but his family did before he was born.
And then there was also Carrie Underwood’s, “I ain’t in Checotah anymore”. She did live there, grew up on a farm, before she began her road from winning American Idol to worldwide fame.
As you can see, we passed through/by both towns today. And believe it or not, an Amish restaurant! I looked them up. I don’t think they’re really Amish. And I know Amish. I grew up with them in school the first 6 years, and often visited their community down in “Amish Country” around the Sugarcreek, etc. area. Maybe they’re just know as an Amish Restaurant because they cook like them?
Sequoyah State Park, Hulbert, Oklahoma
After dinner, we went for a short walk, stopping at the Nature Center, where they had some outdoor critters – a Barred Owl (who actually talked with us a bit), a coyote, and a river otter who had this teeny little tub full of muddy water to swim in. There was a sign for a red fox, but we didn’t see it. I felt really bad for them as they all seemed perfectly fine, and I wondered why they weren’t free. Because of the layers of fencing around them, it was impossible to take decent pictures, plus the sun was thinking about setting by this time. We did manage to get a few pictures of the beaver though because you could see over top, and also through little windows. They’re not great, but at least it’s something. 😊
Tomorrow we’ll venture out and explore the Park.