Good morning, dear family,
Like me, are you wondering why Joseph did not go to meet Jacob in Canaan, his father’s land and instead Jacob decides to travel to Egypt to meet Joseph ? He could have cited old age and demanded Joseph to come and visit him. But the Bible records that Jacob’s ‘spirit revived’ on hearing about his beloved son Joseph – his trust in God’s plan and promises revived, his hope revived!
“So Jacob set out for Egypt with all his possessions. And when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac. During the night God spoke to him in a vision. “Jacob! Jacob!” he called. “Here I am,” Jacob replied. “I am God, the God of your father,” the voice said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation. I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again. You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to close your eyes.””
Genesis 46:1-4 NLT
Beersheba is the last stop of Cannan – a place where his father Isaac worshipped. Jacob stopped at Beersheba and offered sacrifices seeking God’s guidance and understanding His will.
Few lessons:
1. ’GOD SENT’ GOES AHEAD : Joseph, by now understood the significance of the dreams and that the reason God let him go through all the difficulties. It was Joseph who was chosen to go ahead so that the nation of Israel could be saved. Jesus went ahead of us to prepare a place for us so that where He is, we also will be there. Through Jesus’ going ahead, we are saved.
2. ‘GOD SENT’ SUFFERED : Joseph had to go from the pit to prison to make it to the palace. He suffered so that his beloved people did not have to suffer. Jesus suffered the cross so that we, His beloved do not have to suffer. Today, let’s understand what Jesus has done for us.
3. GOD’S SIGNATURE ON THE PLAN : Jacob worshiped God and God confirmed His plan to him in a vision. God is telling you the same today, mark His Words, “Do not be afraid”. “I will make your family into a great nation”. “I will go with you”. “I will bring you back again”.
May this assurance touch the very cords of your heart today. God is a Promise Making God, He is also a Promise Keeping God.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Amen 🙏