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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 338

"I will sing a new song to You, O God; On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You." Psalm 144:9

Text: Genesis 45:1-28

REFLECTIONS OF THE SECOND TRIP TO EGYPT

The second trip to Egypt had produced unexpected results! The fear of going to Egypt had been replaced by wonder! The brother who was thought dead was the most exalted man in Egypt next to the Pharaoh! Joseph must have been right! It was God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who must have orchestrated all the events in their life! Above everything else that the brothers had experienced, the wonders of Egypt, the glory of Joseph – there was that newfound faith in God! Joseph had spoken simply but powerfully concerning this great God who had worked all things out so beautifully in His time!


BREAKING THE GOOD NEWS

The brothers could hardly contain their excitement as they broke the news to their father. Of course, that meant that they would have to confess their terrible misdeed to Israel! But as Joseph had forgiven them, surely their father would as well!

“And they told him, saying, ‘Joseph is still alive,
and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.'”
GENESIS 45:26a


RESPONDING TO THE NEWS

Understandably, Israel had some difficulty in understanding and accepting what his sons told him! The full story had to be told, slowly and possibly many times over! It sounded like an impossible miracle! But the gifts that Joseph had sent to him were tell-tale evidence that the brothers were speaking the truth!

“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.'”
GENESIS 45:26b-28

At last, comprehension broke through! Joseph was alive! Only God could have done the impossible! Yes, this God who had promised to bless all his descendants had come through again! His beloved son Joseph was indeed alive! That thought was more important than anything else! Whether Joseph was governor of the land of Egypt paled in significance compared to the thought that Joseph was alive!

Of course, Israel would take the trouble to go down to Egypt. The thought of escaping the famine was not foremost in his mind. Nor was the prospect of living in luxury in Egypt in his heart. All that really mattered to Israel was that Joseph, his long-feared-dead son was alive! The thought of seeing his precious son again brought a new spirit to Israel. The word “revival” was well-chosen indeed. He never quite overcame the grief felt in his heart when his sons deceived him into thinking that Joseph was slain. Only the news that Joseph was alive brought about “revival”. What power love has!