Genesis Chapter 46.
We continue to see God's hand in all that is happening with Jacob and his family. Even to the point of appearing to Jacob in a vision and saying to him, I am with you don't be afraid. God is always with us. That's a promise in the Bible. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Knowing that should help me to trust him through whatever circumstances of life that I am going through, no matter what it is. Unfortunately I don't always do so well. It's hard to trust God when things aren't going easy but it certainly is my desire to be able to put my trust in him no matter what life brings me.
Jacob is finally reunited with Joseph after all these years! God does such wonderful things! The outlook had been looking bleak for Jacob during the famine and now his family has been rescued by this mysterious man who turns out to be his own son who he thought was dead! This is a reminder that gives me great hope that the God we serve can change the darkest of situations and help us get through the most difficult of times in our lives too. Don’t give up hope!
Here’s the link for today’s parody, Turn Up the Ray of Hope.
https://youtu.be/PGP1bJS-Goc
Two things stood out in God’s Word this morning …
Following the reunion with his father, Joseph becomes a mediator for his family as he goes before Pharaoh on their behalf. After He died for our sins and ascended to heaven, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, where He continues to intercede for us (Heb 7:25). Hallelujah – thank you, Jesus!
Identifying Israel’s family as shepherds ensured they would be marked and set apart from the worldly lifestyle in Egypt. Identifying ourselves, marking ourselves as Christians helps us to stay apart from the world. Carry your Bible, put a bumper sticker on your car, wear a Christian logo on your shirt, identify yourself at every opportunity to keep yourself accountable. Jesus wants us to be marked so we can stay pure and accountable. Lord, help us not to be closet Christians.
How exciting …Jacob is reunited with Joseph, can only imagine what it must have been like seeing your own son after thinking he was dead.
Jeanine is so right on about identifying yourself as a Christian. I’m very fortunate to work in a building full of Christians
Glory to God
How beautiful it is that they are all reunited again!! Jacob finally feels at peace, knowing his son is alive. I think about how much of Jacobs life was spent in sorrow and mourning. Jealousy caused Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery, which caused Jacob to grieve. I wonder if the brothers thought of that consequence, or if they just let jealousy consume them.
Joseph is showing great love and protection over his family, talking to the Pharoh on their behalf. It is amazing how he was able to forgive his brothers. Only by the grace of God!