Review of Genesis 46

— by Victor Fawole

We are grateful to God for His abundant grace that we receive and enjoy in the Gospel of Grace Outreach. He loads us with daily benefits, especially for the nourishment of our souls. Let us all take a moment to bless the name of our God… Hallelujah!

I welcome everyone to today’s bible reading. Jacob eventually reunited with his son – Joseph. I am reminded of the joy that the father of the prodigal son felt when he said that his son “…was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” From this point onwards, Jacob’s life would be truly transformed, and it is an evidence that even if a man has wasted many years without Christ, it is never too late to start living for God.

Let us review…

1. THE IMMIGRATION

Gen. 46:1-2 And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.

Israel, the man of faith, had been reborn of the Spirit and filled with joy. (Gen. 45:28). Here are a few things to notice:

• HIS SETTING OUT
  And Israel took his journey with all that he had…
  Jacob left nothing behind – he went with his entire household. That was a step of faith!
• HIS SETTLING DOWN
  …and came to Beersheba…
  Beersheba was a familiar terrain for both Abraham (Gen. 22:19) and Isaac (Gen. 26:23). Abraham had planted a tamarisk tree here and called on the name of the LORD (Gen. 21:33). In fact, it was also the location of Isaac’s only recorded altar. Perhaps, Jacob used the very altar that Isaac raised years before.
• HIS SETTING UP
  …and offered sacrifices…
  Out of gratitude, Jacob offered sacrifices to God at Beersheba. As believers who were saved by grace, we are called to offer “spiritual sacrifices” to God (1Pet. 2:5, Heb. 13:15, Rom. 12:1).

At Beersheba, Jacob had another divine encounter with God. The first time when he was about to leave the Promised Land, God spoke to him in a dream (Gen. 28:12-17). Now that he was about to leave the land again, God spoke to him in a dream. Here, we will notice:

• THE DIVINE CHARGE
  …I am God, the God of thy father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt…
  Jacob had some fears about going to Egypt. He probably remembered the story of what happened when Abraham went there during a famine (Gen. 12:10-20). He probably also remembered how God instructed his father Isaac not to go down to Egypt (Gen. 26:2). But then, he was encouraged by a revelation from God.
• THE DIVINE CERTAINTY
  …for I will…
  God encouraged Jacob with four reassuring promises…

– Abundant Reproduction: I will there make of thee a great nation
– Abiding Relationship: I will go down with thee into Egypt
– Anticipated Return: I will also surely bring thee up again
– Affectionate Resting: Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes

In the Bible, Egypt is sometimes used to symbolize the world. God has sent us into the world, but He also does not want us to fear the world. He has promised to also be with us (Heb. 13:5). Hallelujah!

2. THE INTERACTION

Gen. 46:28-30 And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.

Judah was chosen to lead the convoy. Oh, what a testimony! The man who led the negotiations for the sale of Joseph… volunteered to bear the guilt if Benjamin doesn’t return home… made a request to Joseph that he be substituted for Benjamin… and now, he is leading the nation of Israel to Goshen!

The reunion of Joseph and Jacob was deeply emotional. Joseph fell on his father’s neck and wept, for a good while.This embrace was deep and prolonged. One can feel the depth of their emotions. Having seen Joseph’s face and knowing that he was alive, Jacob felt that his life was complete. He was willing to die, knowing well that it would be a peaceful death. Talk of fulfillment and contentment. However, God ensured that he lived another 17 years of joy, peace, abundance, and rest. He had earlier spent 17 years beholding Joseph as his daily delight. God gave him another 17 years of beholding him as his daily delight. Grace!

3. THE INSTALLATION

Gen. 46:34 That ye shall say, Thy servants’ trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

At this point, permit me to draw a few parallels between Joseph and Jesus:

• Joseph prepared a place (Goshen) for His people. Jesus has also gone to heaven to prepare a place for us. (John 14:2-3)
• Joseph was the representative and advocate for the nation of Israel before Pharaoh. In the same pattern, all believers have Jesus Christ as our Advocate before the Father. (1John 2:1)
• Just as Joseph warmly welcomed Jacob and his family, Jesus welcomes sinners and outcasts. (Luke 15:1-2)
• Just as Joseph provided for his family’s needs, Jesus provides for our spiritual and physical needs.

Dear Gogolights, let us rejoice in the grace of our God for we were once separated from Him because of sin, but now reunited with Him through His Son. To the praise of the glory of His grace wherein He has made us accepted in His Beloved!

Grace to you, Church!