Genesis 46:1 – 6 “So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said.
“Here I am,” replied Jacob.
“I am God, ” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.”
Then Jacob departed from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and wives. They also took their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt….”
v.28 – 30 “Now Jacob had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When Jacob’s family arrived in the land of Goshen, Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”
Joseph has forgiven his brothers. Joseph’s brothers have made their peace with one another and with Benjamin and Joseph and their father. Now the way is open for the entire family to be blessed and to be preserved.
When Jacob/Israel and his family stop at Beersheba overnight, God speaks to him in a vision. The last recorded time God spoke to Jacob was many years ago at the Jabbok Ford when he was on his way back to Canaan from Haran. At that point, Jacob wasn’t sure that his brother Esau would not wipe out Jacob’s entire family and seize everything he owned. And it was at that time that God gave Jacob the name “Israel,” meaning “He who struggles with God.” The following day, Jacob reconciled with Esau, healing a twenty year old dispute.
Now God is reassuring Jacob that He is caring for Jacob’s entire family and will make them into a great nation. Jacob is reaping the results of his reconciliation with Esau. Jacob’s sons and their families are reaping the results of their reconciliation with Joseph. The Land of Goshen in Egypt was evidently excellent grazing land, perfect for Joseph’s brothers who were shepherds and herdsmen. The Egyptians considered caring for livestock to be an occupation for slaves. By gaining permission for his family to settle in Goshen, Joseph was making it possible for the family to live separately from the Egyptians. God was using Joseph in this fashion so that the Israelites would not intermarry with the Egyptians.
God is also giving Joseph the desires of his heart. All these years, Joseph has yearned to see his father Jacob. Now Jacob spends his last days with Joseph, Joseph’s sons receive a special blessing from their grandfather, and Joseph gets to be with Jacob when he dies.
APPLICATION: As you have forgiven others, how has God blessed you? Sometimes we take God’s blessings for granted, forgetting that there are no guarantees and that God is not obligated to bless us. Stop now and ask God to show you how He has blessed you and is blessing you.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for loving us so much that you forgive our sins when we confess them and trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Lord, help us to never forget all the ways in which you have blessed us. Let us be truly mindful of those blessings and thankful. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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