January 17 - Genesis 45:16-47:27

Good morning everyone,

Imagine, if you will, the wonder on Jacob’s face when he first saw coming over the horizon the ten donkeys Pharaoh had sent loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions along with chariots carrying his sons who are all now wearing brand new cloths. Use your mind’s eye to see the confusion on Jacob’s face as while he is still trying to process all that he is seeing he is told, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” We’re told, he was stunned; he did not believe them. Then imagine how overwhelmed with joy he had to have been when at last they were able to convince him his son Joseph was alive and he could go see him. Oh happy day!

On the way they stopped at Beersheba where Jacob offered sacrifices to God. I rather imagine he was a bit hesitant to take that route as both his father and grandfather, on separate occasions, had set off into Egypt and it did not bode well for either one of them. But God speaks to Jacob in a dream and assures him he is good to go, that he needn't be afraid, promising to make him into a great nation there. So off they go, headed for Goshen, the best the land Egypt had to offer.

When Joseph learned his father had arrived, he hopped in his chariot and went to meet him. We’re told, “As soon as Joseph appeared before Jacob, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time.” I love the respect and love Joseph allowed his father. Joseph could have said, “Yo, Pops. Remember that dream I told you about when I was seventeen, the one where y’all would be bowing down before me? And you scolded me? Look around!” But he didn’t, he just loved him. Loved them.

Joseph then becomes the mediator for his family, going before Pharaoh on their behalf, acting as the go between to smooth out any disputes or misunderstandings. We have a mediator. 1 Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” God has a dispute with us because of sin. So He sent Jesus to pay the debt for that sin we could not pay.  After, Jesus ascended into heaven He took a seat at the right hand of God the Father where He sits and day after day and intercedes for us. Hebrews 9:15 comforts us with, “Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.”

Joseph’s faithfulness when he was in the cistern, sold as a slave and later imprisoned affected his entire family. Likewise Jesus’ obedience allowed the course of our lives to also be changed, allowing us, as Christians, an eternity in the presence of our Abba. Worshipping and praising His holy name. Awesome. Possum! Right? What a friend we have in Jesus. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..