Then he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to point out before him the way to Goshen. And they came to the land of Goshen. So Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to Goshen to meet his father Israel; and he presented himself to him, and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while. And Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive.” . . . Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number. Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and the years of his life were a hundred and forty-seven. Genesis 46: 28-30; 47: 27, 28, NIV.
Gracious God, we come before You to give You thanks. Please remain close by our side and speak to our hearts, as we study Your Word. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
As a parent this portion of Jacob’s story has always appealed to me. I am the type of person who usually projects myself into the stories I read or hear about. No matter how often I read this story, my heart still aches as I think of how much, both father and son must have suffered from this separation! At times I can hardly wait until I reach to this part in the story! Then I sit back and smile.
Can you imagine what that reunion must have been like? The beloved son, and the aged father are together again! Can you picture Jacob touching the face of his son, to see if this is his very boy, standing before him? Can you imagine how he must have hugged and kissed him, again and again? Now he would not have to “go down to Sheol” in sadness (Genesis 37: 35c)! Our Scripture for today, informs us that the years of Jacob’s life were one hundred and forty seven! Father and son had been separated for thirteen years, but God gave them seventeen years together, in return! Four years of accrued interest in heaven’s bank! “You can’t beat God’s giving,” can you? Hallelujah!
The thought that has impressed me in a very special way today, in the story of Joseph, is that, as our cup of blessings “run over” they bless those around us as well! But before we rejoice in this truth, let us ponder, very soberly, the fact, that as we reap the unpleasant fruits of our evil deeds, those around us are also affected! May God help us to consider our actions very carefully!
Our Scripture for today is aglow with abundance! Abundant tears of joy (Joseph “fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while“). Abundant satisfaction ( ” ‘ “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive” ‘ “). Abundant prosperity (“They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number“). Abundant life (“Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and the years of his life were a hundred and forty-seven“)! When God blesses, He blesses abundantly!
In blessing Joseph, this was evident. God did it with a lavish hand! (As He loves to do!) Joseph was blessed with favor, in the sight of those he served! As a consequence, those he served, prospered ( Genesis 39: 4, 5)! He was blessed with wisdom and understanding in all that he did. As a consequence, the entire land of Egypt was blessed with food, and to spare; even in the time of famine (41: 49, 54)! He was blessed with a kind, forgiving heart (42: 23, 24; chapter 45; 50: 15-21). As a consequence, all his father’s household was blessed (47: 27)!
Jesus is saying to you and to me, “I have come that you might have life, and have it in abundance” (John 10: 10)! As we accept this abundant life, and live for the glory of God, our blessings will also spill over to others! What an abundance of grace!