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January 29th
Our Bible reading for today ends the book of Genesis... the Book of Beginnings...we are in chapters 48,49,50.
In our readings up to now, we've seen Life and many of its joys and struggles...Death and many of its pain and mystery...the good, the bad, and the ugly...
**But mainly, we've seen God working in and Through It All...
Perhaps as Andre Crouch would sing...about himself...about you and me...he would also say about...
Abraham and Sarah... had many tears and sorrows...Isaac... had questions about tomorrow...Jacob...had times when he didn't know right from wrong...but in every situation...God gave blessed consolation...and the trials were there just to make them strong.
Through it all...through it all...We've learned to trust in Jesus we've learned to trust in God...Through it all...through it all...we've learned to depend upon God’s Word.”
Well, let’s get into the text.
Joseph was told that his father, Jacob, was ill. So Joseph took his two sons to see their grandfather. I can't tell you exactly how Joseph and his boys felt as they made their way to the bedside of Jacob.
But the scripture tells us plainly how Jacob felt when he heard that they were coming.
“Jacob summoned all of his strength and sat up in bed.”
My translation? Jacob was more than glad...Jacob was excited...Jacob could hardly wait...and he wanted to present himself strong for them!
Do you have an aging parent or grandparent that is struggling in mind or body...go see them...be sure to let them know that you're coming...the anticipation is as good as the visit for them. If you cant get to them...call them...that thoughtfullness does count big time.
Next...in the reading...Jacob...sensing the end of his days drawing near...called his sons to his bedside in Goshen...and said, “Let me tell you what is going to happen to you.”
He blessed them with the truth...and what we have come to understand about the truth is that it can hurt sometimes...oh yes, truth can make our hearts glad, but it can also sting.
This father was trying to prepare them...give them a heads up about things that they would encounter. He took the risk because he loved them. He knew that he wouldn't be there to bail them out. But the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be. Jacob reminded his sons of their tendencies, good and bad. He apparently thought they needed to face them and learn from them for their futures.
“Lord, blessing my kids at the end of my days would be good. Help me to do that...but also help me to bless them regularly...now...that their hearts may be glad!
And finally...” it takes time and crazy love to heal”
Jacob’s sons buried him alongside his fathers in Hebron...back home in the land that God promised him.
Seventeen years have passed since Joseph saved his family from “death by famine” in Canaan. Seventeen years of family meals together. Seventeen years of simply doing everyday life together.
Was it enough time to erase guilty feelings from the minds and hearts of brothers? Was it enough time for trust to take over where fears and resentments and distrust had grown for so long?
Apparently not...most of the brothers were still afraid and guarded...however, one brother, Joseph, was willing to reach out and keep on building that bridge of hope between them.
Which reminds me of Jesus. He keeps reaching out to me and you, especially when we are afraid of our broken fellowship with Him. When we are guarded and defensive about our sinning against Him, He keeps on building that bridge of hope and grace between us. Awesome isn't it!
Now enjoy the rest of the story.
