Today we are reading Genesis 46. In this chapter we read about Jacob and Joseph reuniting in Egypt. “Then Jacob set out from Beersheba. The sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters. All his offspring he brought with him into Egypt. All the persons belonging to Jacob who came into Egypt, who were his own descendants, not including Jacob’s sons’ wives, were sixty-six persons in all. And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two. All the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy. He had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show the way before him in Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while. Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.””
Genesis 46:5-7, 26-30 ESV Reunions are happy times! What do you think was going through Jacob/Israel’s mind as he journeyed to see his son Joseph? Memories of his childhood, of special moments, of challenging times…maybe memories of Rachel’s death. Joseph’s father loved him so much that he could hardly contain himself. Is that the way you feel about your children? When they are near, you enjoy life together. When they are far, you look forward to the next time you see them. May God bless you with many happy reunions! Pastor Tim
