It is Good to Be in God

Read Genesis 45:16-47:28
 
Genesis 47:6-7 “Choose any place in the entire land of Egypt for them to live. Give them the best land of Egypt. Let them live in the region of Goshen. And if any of them have special skills, put them in charge of my livestock, too.” …11-12 Then Joseph settled his father and brothers in the land of Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. 12 And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with food for their dependents.
 
WHEN Joseph was born, his mother Rachel said, “God has removed my disgrace.” and “May the LORD add yet another son to my family.” (Genesis 30:23-24). Rachel expressed joy in God’s gift to her as well as hope and trust in God’s future. This is another form of blessing. Remember, to bless is to add to another life. Rachel added to her newborn son’s life with words of renewal and hope. These two meanings of Joseph’s name would bear fruit in Joseph’s obedient and upright life in Egypt. God added the gifts of administration, prophecy, discernment and grace to Joseph’s life. Joseph responded to use these gifts to add forgiveness, land, security and food to his family. Because Joseph obeyed God, the gracious LORD removed Joseph’s and his brothers’ disgrace. Peace, reconciliation and provision now blessed their lives. Joseph’s brothers’ criticism and blame against Joseph is done. In turn, Joseph has only forgiveness and blessing for his brothers. We must pay attention to the words we speak to our children. Bless them, and they will bless you and others. In Israel’s family is now the hope of a family reunited, renewed and reinforced with God’s blessings to become a nation.
   Consider how different than most of the Genesis account to this point. Consider that Cain rebelled against his brother. Ham sinned against his father. Lot preferred Sodom. Esau married Ishmael’s descendants. Jacob deceived his brother. Laban lied to Jacob. Joseph’s brothers killed a village and sold their brother into slavery. The pain and suffering from sin is uncountable.
   But now we can begin to see God’s promise taking form. Let’s look to this light that has shined briefly into the darkness. God anointed Joseph to live a redeemed and redeeming life. Joseph’s suffering, grace and love illustrate Jesus’ suffering, grace and love. God’s provision for this family is a sign of the Promised Land, the LORD’s garden of perfection that he has prepared for Israel to enjoy one day. It is a picture, too, of God’s provision in the place he has prepared for all who believe forevermore.
   How good it is to know God has blessed us with the Son who came in love to add salvation to our lives. Amen.