Life is a journey and this one has a happy ending.

1 – The journey from Egypt to Canaan

• Jacob’s reaction – Joseph had given then plenty of food and clothes. They had all they needed. What would be Jacob’s reaction to the news that Joseph was alive and the ruler of all Egypt? Jacob is stunned and does not believe them. (vs 25).
• Jacob’s transformation – When Jacob sees the carts laden with goods he moves from unbelief to belief. He trusts in God. He responds positively to the facts and says “Let’s go!”

The brothers had been going back and forward between Egypt and Canaan. Jacob was being asked to believe those who had deceived him for many years. This was Jacob’s big test. He forgives his sons.

2 – The journey from Canaan to Egypt

Jacob was convinced Joseph was alive. he is determined to see Joseph before he dies.

• Jacob had changed – He was no longer “twister”. He stops his journey to build an altar to God and worship. He wants God even more than Joseph. We need God’s approval before we move. God gives Jacob approval to go. Jacob has come a long way! The old Jacob is dead – this is now the new Jacob.
• Jacob’s sacrifices – Everyone is being forgiven! Worshippers should be forgiven people and learning to forgive others. Why should I hold a grudge?

3 – The destination

• Total forgiveness for everyone – At the end of every journey there is a destination. The day of reconciliation has come for Joseph. Jacob and Joseph meet and weep for a long time. The family are all together again, They have all been reconciled. Life does not always a happy ending but it is here. It is true also for the Christian. The Christian has the certain destination of Heaven.
• Satisfaction – Jacob was satisfied when he saw Joseph. He was now ready to die! Jacob had wrestled with God and God had wrestled with Jacob. Jacob is now ready to meet God.

Joseph is such a powerful picture of the Lord Jesus in these verses. Who else can bring such great forgiveness and satisfaction?

Categories: Genesis