THURSDAY March 2, 2023

A Family Reunion

“Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.”
Acts 7:14-16

Stephen continued his sermon––a lengthy, historical discourse. Joseph never sought revenge, but reconciliation with his brothers. He sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to Egypt while the famine endured.

Remember, Jacob could not be comforted when he was told about Joseph’s violent death. He was not the same––his sadness and sorrow lasted for over 22 years. After all this time of grief, thinking his son was dead, Jacob heard the remarkable truth––his favored son was alive! Consider his emotional response to the good news:

And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them. But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. Then Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

Imagine his tender reunion with Joseph! Jacob would live his final 17 years of his life in Egypt with him. Jacob’s last words to his sons are recorded in Genesis 49. Jacob asked to be buried in Shechem, in the same cave Abraham bought as a burial place in the field of Machpelah:

“There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. The field and the cave that is there were purchased from the sons of Heth.” And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people (Genesis 49:31-33).

God was in every detail of Jacob and his sons’ lives. God had a plan that was continuing to unfold, despite Joseph’s brothers’ actions. God has a plan for your life as well, from the beginning to the very end.

God’s plan will continue on God’s schedule.
~A.W. Tozer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!