2 And God spoke to ISRAEL in a vision at night and said, “JACOB! JACOB!”
“Here I am,” he replied. Genesis 46
(It’s interesting that the Bible addresses him by both names, his birth name and God given name)
We said yesterday that Joseph’s last word to his brothers was, ‘Don’t QUARREL on the way!’ Guard your mouths and return to our father in harmony. Don’t attack one another with your mouths, be of one accord. God’s Spirit hates conflict and strife!
25 So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 They told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. Genesis 45
Initially Jacob couldn’t take in the news that his favourite son Joseph was alive and ruler of Egypt. HOW MANY TIMES DOES GOD WANT TO TELL US THINGS THAT WE CAN’T BELIEVE? Jesus often addressed His disciples, ‘O you of little faith’.
27 But when THEY TOLD HIM EVERYTHING JOSEPH HAD SAID (Ear Gate) to them, and when HE SAW THE CARTS (Eye Gate) Joseph had sent to carry him back, THE SPIRIT OF THEIR FATHER REVIVED. 28 And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” Genesis 45
JACOB HEARD AND SAW things by his natural senses which convinced him that Joseph was alive and, ‘his spirit revived’. The good news brought Jacob a new lease of life.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul
is good news from a distant land. Genesis 25
Of course, ‘The Good News’ of Jesus sacrifice in our place is the ultimate JOY BRINGER. ‘Jesus lover of my soul, Jesus I will never let you go.’
46 So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, HE OFFERED SACRIFICES TO THE GOD OF HIS FATHER ISAAC.
2 And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
Jacob/Israel had another encounter with God as he left the Land of Promise once again, just as he’d done when he had the dream of the angels on the ladder to heaven at Bethel.
Jacob had been convinced by his sons that everything was going to be alright, BUT AS THEY SET OUT ON THEIR JOURNEY, HE SACRIFICED TO GOD. HE INVITED GOD INTO THEIR JOURNEY. We may be convinced of the path we’re embarking on, but be wise like Jacob and INVITE GOD’S PRESENCE TO GO WITH US. If we’re uncertain that God is with us, then we should pause and wait until He speaks to us. God was with Jacob, now an old man and would be with his descendants.
Immanuel, Stay Strong, God is with us.