Have you ever been reunited with someone after a long time apart?  It’s is always an emotional reunion.  I can only imagine what it must have been like for Jacob and Joseph.  Particularly Jacob thinking his son was dead all these years.  Let’s look at the account together today. 

 Now Jacob sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When they arrived in the region of Goshen, 29 Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time. 30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.” 31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and speak to Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.’ 33 When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”

God used Joseph’s troubles for good and ultimately to save both Israel and Egypt.  This reunion however must have still been something.  I’m sure they both wept, laughed, and mourned for the time they missed in each other’s lives.  Joseph certainly had lots of stories to catch his father up on.  I often wonder if Joseph ever had bad feelings creep back in toward his brothers after they were reconciled.  He forgave them and understood that God used their evil for good.  I still can’t help but wonder if he struggled with that.  Even after we have forgiven someone resentment can happen.  The beautiful thing is that Jesus helps us to overcome that.  When we feel resentment building in our lives we need to remind ourselves of the amazing grace poured out for us.  Jesus’ love and grace in our lives helps us to extend it to others.  Today rest in the amazing grace of Jesus and look to share it with others as well.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave