His Word Today

²⁸ “He had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show the way before him in Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. ²⁹ Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while. ³⁰ Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.” (Genesis 46:28–30 (ESV)

My wife and I earlier this year spent a week with our son, his wife and their family in Pennsylvania. It was a wonderful time, especially the opportunity we both had to be with our four grandchildren. We do not see them that often in person, so when we do the reunion is always sweet.

Imagine what it must have been like for Jacob to reunite with his beloved son Joseph after two decades of being apart. Remember, Jacob during that time thought Joseph had died. His grief and sorrow never really dissipated. In fact, his grief for Joseph drove him to fear for the life of his youngest son, Benjamin. It influenced initial decisions he made.

However, Jacob and his entire family were now journeying to Egypt, where Jacob would finally reunite with his long lost son. Imagine the anticipation in the patriarch’s heart. Imagine the anticipations in Joseph’s heart to reunite with his father following his reunion with his brothers.

Jacob sent Judah on ahead. Judah became responsible to show his family the way to the Land of Goshen. At the same time, Joseph prepared his chariot in order to meet his father and his extended family.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Having paused to list the names of those sons of Jacob who came into Egypt at Joseph’s request, Moses now describes the first encounter between Jacob and Joseph in over two decades (Gen. 37:2; 41:46–54; 45:6). We see that Joseph “prepared his chariot” to meet with his father (46:29), an easily omitted detail that Moses included in order to remind readers of Joseph’s magnificent status and therefore, his gracious forgiveness of those who hated him. He had the power to do otherwise, but Joseph was kind to his repentant brothers, showing us how God’s people repay evil with good.”

Romans 12:14-21 says, “¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰ To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

When Jacob and Joseph did reunite, their reunion was sweet. It involved weeping and embracing for a good while. Following this, Jacob said, ““Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.”

One author states, “After joyful tears and embraces, Jacob said he could die in peace after reuniting with Joseph (Gen. 46:30). The patriarch had been convinced that he would restlessly mourn Joseph’s death all the way to his own grave (37:29–35), but he could face his end with confidence and hope after seeing his son alive. Christians have a similar experience today. Figuratively speaking, Joseph died and rose again in Jacob’s eyes. We now know the One greater than Joseph who was literally resurrected. Thus, we can face death with peace (1 Peter 1:3). It is fitting that Jacob sent Judah ahead to lead him to Joseph (46:28) since he was the one who initiated the events that caused Joseph’s absence in the first place (37:26–28). We can also see here a faint picture of Christ, for while Jesus never sinfully sold His kin into slavery, He was also sent by the Father to reunite the Almighty with His people (John 3:16).”

Take time today to contact a relative or friend who you have not seen for some time. Is the relationship in need of repair? Take the opportunity to contact that person and if possible restore and rekindle the relationship. If there is unrepentant sin, pray for a forgiving spirit, whether for yourself or someone else.

Have a blessed day in the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Podcast begins June 1, Soli deo Gloria!

²⁶ “All the persons belonging to Jacob who came into Egypt, who were his own descendants, not including Jacob’s sons’ wives, were sixty-six persons in all. ²⁷ And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two. All the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy.” (Genesis 46:26–27 (ESV)

Moses provided a summarization of the extensive number of Jacob’s family (Gen. 46:8-25). This was organized by the number of his sons; twelve.   

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “This catalog of sons closes the patriarchal period and forms a transition to the exodus from Egypt ((Ex. 1:1-7). The list includes the sons and grandsons of Jacob (some of whom were born in Egypt) through his various wives and concubines, although his daughters and granddaughters, except for Dinah (Gen. 46:15), and Serah (Gen. 46:17) are omitted. Thus the list is designed to culminate in the significant number seventy (Gen. 46:27) to show both God’s blessing on the family and to anticipate their further expansion into a great nation.”

However, there are sceptics who would point to Acts 7:14 where Stephen stated that the number of people belonging to Jacob’s family numbered seventy-five. They would cite this as an example that the Bible contains contradictions or errors. How do we explain this discrepancy?

Dr. John MacArthur states, “Jacob, Joseph, Manasseh, and Ephraim should be added to the 66. The 75 of Acts 7:14 included an additional five people, born in the land, which were added in the (Septuagint (LXX) reading of Gen. 46:8–27 (cf. Ex. 1:5; Deut. 10:22). These five included two sons of Manasseh, two sons of Ephraim, and one grandson of the latter. Genesis 46:26–27; Ex. 1:5; Deut. 10:22 give the figure as 70. However the LXX (the Greek translation of the OT, which as a Hellenist Stephen would have used) in Gen. 46:27 reads “seventy-five.” The additional five people were Joseph’s descendants born in Egypt.”

The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. Such variations occasionally occur and we do not always have the information to explain them. We should also take note from today’s text that Jacob’s sons’ wives were not included in the list (Gen. 46:26).

The number seventy is symbolically significant in the Scriptures. The senate of the Israelites composed of seventy elders (Ex. 24:1, 9; Num. 11:16, 24, 25). Jesus sent out seventy disciples (Luke 10:1–17). The Jews were in captivity in Babylon seventy years (Jer. 25:11, 12; 29:10; Dan. 9:2; Zech. 1:12; 7:5). Seventy weeks were prophesied in the vision of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27). Even the human lifespan is said to be seventy years (Ps. 90:10). Therefore, Moses represented Jacob’s family by the symbolic number seventy signifying a large and complete number.  

One author explains, “Today’s passage lists the seventy descendants that went down into Egypt with Jacob (46:27), a number of offspring far greater than Abraham and Isaac knew personally. Some of Benjamin’s sons listed in verse 21 are really his grandsons (Num. 26:38–41) and were not yet born when Jacob went into Egypt. This shows that the number of seventy should be understood as a general number.”

“Moses numbers Jacob’s family at seventy after telling us that sixty-six descendants traveled with him to the land of the Nile (46:27). This is not a contradiction, Moses is using two different numbers for two different purposes. Sixty-six persons journeyed with Jacob to Egypt, but seventy of his household settled in that country including Jacob, Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Moses recorded the number seventy, which is often associated with completeness in Scripture, to teach a lesson. Having seventy of Jacob’s house in Egypt tells successive generations how God kept His promise to Abraham that the full number of Israelites would settle there (15:13).”

The seventy plus members of Jacob’s family became six hundred thousand men in Egypt, besides women and children (Ex. 12:37). God truly keep His promise to Abraham and Isaac (Gen.12:1-3; 13:14-16; 22:17; 26:4). He will also keep His promises to us today.

Have a blessed day in the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Podcast begins June 1, Soli deo Gloria!

⁵ “Then Jacob set out from Beersheba. The sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. ⁶ They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, ⁷ his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters. All his offspring he brought with him into Egypt.” (Genesis 46:5–7 (ESV)

Following his offering to God at Beersheba (Gen. 46:1-4), Jacob and his entire family set out for Egypt. The twenty two year separation between Jacob and his beloved son Joseph was about to end.

Jacob rode in one of the wagons Joseph provided for the journey. Unlike Joseph’s journey to Egypt as a slave of the Midianite traders (Gen. 37:28), Jacob traveled as an honorable patriarch. In other words, he traveled in a manner befitting his position. Not only Jacob, but the little ones and the wives also traveled in the Egyptian wagons. Pharaoh’s generosity was put to good use.

Along with Jacob’s family, livestock and goods were also brought to Egypt. Everything Jacob and his family owned were towed along with them. All which God had blessed Jacob with was brought. In effect, Jacob and his family left Canaan behind them and ventured to Egypt before them.

One commentator writes, “Jacob has a new vigor once God sends him into the land of the Nile. While Jacob was certainly encouraged by God’s word, it must be admitted that today’s passage primarily emphasizes Jacob’s frailty. He is elderly — nearly 130 years old (Gen. 47:9) — and must be carried by his sons in the wagons the pharaoh has provided (Gen. 46:5–7). This reality is a striking reminder that God’s promises are not achieved by human effort. Jacob, who wrestled the Lord to a standstill (Gen. 32:22–32), cannot by himself go to Egypt where he will be made into a great nation. God must guide him there providentially, directing the events that bring Joseph to power so that Jacob can stay there safely. Truly, the Lord’s will is accomplished by His Spirit, not our might or power (Zech. 4:6).”

Dr. Jon Walvoord writes, “God had told Isaac not to go to Egypt (Gen. 26:2), but now He told Jacob to go. This vision, which comforted the patriarch, would also encourage the nation of Israel when Moses would exhort them to leave the land of Egypt and return to Canaan to receive God’s promises.”

Like Jacob, when will we believe the power of God is where He says it is; in His Word and by the Holy Spirit. Though our efforts are important, our cleverness, position or reputation in the culture does not grow the Lord’s kingdom. We must learn to depend upon the Holy Spirit just as Jacob did. We must seek to obediently follow the directions and commands of God’s Word in our everyday lives. Only then will our impact be profound and lasting and result in God being glorified.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!  

The His Word Today Podcast begins June 1, Soli deo Gloria!

“So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. ² And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” ³ Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. ⁴ I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” (Genesis 46:1-4 ESV)

The LORD gave Jacob the name Israel when Jacob wrestled with God (Gen. 32:22-28). The name Israel means “He strives with God” or “God strives.” To strive means to persist and to persevere. The name’s meaning not only applies to Jacob but also to his descendants.

As Jacob and his family began their journey to Egypt, they came to Beersheba. It was there that they offered sacrifices to Elohim, the One, and True God. Elohim was not only the God of Jacob’s father Isaac, but also his grandfather Abraham.

The Tyndale Bible Dictionary explains, “Beersheba is the Scriptural designation for the southern extremity of the Promised Land, located 28 miles (45.1 kilometers) southwest of Hebron. It was an important Negev site at an early time. Hagar wandered with Ishmael in this area, as did Abraham. Later Isaac (Gen 26:23) and Jacob (46:1) both had significant spiritual experiences there, and later yet it was important in the lives of numerous other Hebrews.”

Why did Jacob stop in Beersheba as he and his family traveled to Egypt? One author speculates, “He (Jacob) needed a word from the Lord to make him move. That Jacob would seek direct confirmation for his move to Egypt is not surprising given his family history. After all, Canaan was to be the inheritance of Abraham’s descendants (Gen. 12:1–9), and trouble usually followed the patriarchs and their kin when they moved outside the borders of the Promised Land (Gen. 12:10–20; 19:1–22, 30–38; 29:1–30). To leave Canaan might be a signal of unbelief, and this is why Jacob stops at Beersheba to seek Yahweh’s face. Beersheba was Isaac’s home (26:23–25), and Jacob’s sacrifice there to “the God of his father Isaac” (46:1), is proof that he aligns himself with the promises of land and offspring Yahweh made to his fathers, demonstrating that he has faith and has not forgotten the Lord’s solemn word.”  

It was at Beersheba that the LORD once again spoke to Jacob, as He had in the past (Gen.28:10-17; 32:22-28). The LORD did so in visions of the night. He called out to Jacob by name. The LORD said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. ⁴ I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.”

The promise God made to Jacob in today’s text reiterates the promise the LORD gave Jacob when he was a young man (Genesis 28:10–17 (ESV). Notice how often the personal pronoun “I” is used. God assured Jacob that He, Elohim, was the self-existent God also known as Yahweh. He alone was the Mighty One. He alone would make Jacob and his family into a great nation. God also promised that not only would He personally go down with them to Egypt, but also that He would bring them back to the Promised Land. Finally, God told Jacob that he would die in Egypt in the presence of his son, Joseph, but his body would be returned to Canaan.

Dr. R .C. Sproul writes, “Without question, then, the move to Egypt is vital to the Lord’s plan. There, Jacob’s family will grow into a great nation that God will later redeem for His glory (Gen. 46:3). Our Father graciously assures Jacob of His presence, and so the patriarch knows all will take place as God has said (v. 4).  Jacob is also told that he will one day be brought up again from Egypt. Ultimately, this looks forward to the resurrection when Jacob, in body and spirit, will be restored to life to rule over Canaan and, indeed, over the new heavens and earth (Dan. 12:2; Matt. 5:5).”

Puritan commentator Matthew Henry writes, “Whatever low or dark valley we are called into at any time, we may be confident, if God goes down with us into it, that he will surely bring us up again. If he goes with us down to death, he will surely bring us up again to glory.”

Have a blessed day in the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Podcast begins June 1, Soli deo Gloria!

²⁵ “So they went up out of Egypt and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob. ²⁶ And they told him, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” And his heart became numb, for he did not believe them. ²⁷ But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. ²⁸ And Israel said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” (Genesis 45:25–28 (ESV)

I wonder what the conversation must have been like for Jacob and his ten eldest sons as they shared with him that Joseph was still alive. After all, these were the same sons who informed Jacob that a wild animal had killed him (Gen. 37:29-33). They were also the same sons who had thrown Joseph into a pit, threatened to kill him, and then sold him into slavery to the Midianites (Gen. 37:12-28).

One author writes, “Jacob’s sons knew that the truth about what had really happened to Joseph would have to come out once they were charged with telling their father the good news that Joseph had not died.  To explain why Joseph was still alive would necessitate a full revelation of their betrayal.”

Jacob’s sons did tell him that Joseph was alive. However, after twenty two years of mourning the death of his beloved son, the text says that Jacob’s heart was numb upon hearing the news. He was intellectually, emotionally, and volitionally paralyzed. In other words, he didn’t know what to think, what to feel, or what to do.

Upon seeing the Egyptian wagons and hearing the words Joseph said to his brothers, Jacob’s spirit was revived. He was reinvigorated in his mind, emotions and will. He was no longer a man waiting to die, but rather man who now wanted to live. He wanted to live long enough to see his long, lost son. Following that reunion, he would be able to die in peace.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Jacob cannot believe that Joseph is still alive at first, but soon he is convinced (45:25–27). Note how Moses tells us that Jacob’s spirit was revived once he believed the report of his sons in verse 27. Indeed, this is good news, for the spirit is viewed in Scripture as the source of life. Jacob has lived as a dead man for decades, but knowing that Joseph is alive brings him back to life. To be convinced to go to Egypt, Jacob had to discern the providence that brought Joseph to power. Today, we have a better guide for discerning God’s will than Jacob did — the complete Word of God — by which we are to interpret reality.”

May each of us delight in the Word of God and meditate upon it day and night (Psalm 1:1-3). Have a blessed day in the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Podcast begins June 1, Soli deo Gloria!

We will continue to devote each Lord’s Day in 2022 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2022. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Twenty Nine: Of the Lord’s Supper. Part One.

1. Our Lord Jesus, in the night wherein he was betrayed, instituted the sacrament of his body and blood, called the Lord’s Supper, to be observed in his Church, unto the end of the world; for the perpetual remembrance of the sacrifice of himself in his death, the sealing all benefits thereof unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in him, their further engagement in and to all duties which they owe unto him; and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other, as members of his mystical body.^a

a. 1 Cor 10:16-17, 21; 11:23-26; 12:13.

2. In this sacrament Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sins of the quick or dead,^a but only a commemoration of that one offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all, and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same;^b so that the Popish sacrifice of the mass, as they call it, is most abominably injurious to Christ’s one only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect.^c

a. Heb 9:22, 25-26, 28. • b. Mat 26:26-27; 1 Cor 11:24-26. • c. Heb 7:23-24, 27; 10:11-12, 14, 18.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post. Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

The His Word Today Podcast begins June 1, Soli deo Gloria!

²¹ “The sons of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the command of Pharaoh, and gave them provisions for the journey. ²² To each and all of them he gave a change of clothes, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five changes of clothes. ²³ To his father he sent as follows: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and provision for his father on the journey. ²⁴ Then he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way.” (Genesis 45:21–24 (ESV)

Joseph’s brothers complied not only with his directives but also with Pharaoh’s. They took the wagons the two Egyptian leaders gave them, along with provisions for the journey, and began their long trip back home to Canaan.

The brothers not only received supplies for the journey, but also a change of clothes. This was probably due to the fact that their trip was over desert terrain that was hot and dusty. The clothes would have been outer tunics, much like the multi-colored tunic Joseph wore years before as a teenager. These gifts which Joseph gave his elder brothers was further proof of his forgiveness of them and reconciliation with them. These special coats could now be given without any worry of inciting strife of jealousy.

However, Joseph gave Benjamin three hundred shekels of silver and five changes of clothes. Why?

One author writes, “For reasons not expressed, Joseph was treating his older half-brothers kindly, and his youngest full-brother, Benjamin, as a rich man. Whether it was because of the difference in blood relationship, or because his half-brothers, who were born of Leah, had treated him so badly, is not said. But Joseph definitely gave preferential treatment to Benjamin, starting with Benjamin’s share at the dinner table (Genesis 43:34). Some have said that Joseph was testing his brothers at the table to see if they would resent the portion he gave to the youngest as they had resented the love and favor he had with his father (Gen. 37:3-4). If so, perhaps his giving five changes of raiment to Benjamin was a continuation of this test, for so many changes of clothes were in those days the signs of a rich man, and the desire of many. Clothing was often given as gifts to kings and prophets and for great deeds done (2 Kings 5:5, 22–23; 2 Chronicles 9:24; Esther 6:8–9; and Daniel 5:29).”

Joseph also saw to it that Jacob received the best Egypt had to offer. Today’s text says. “To his father he sent as follows: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and provision for his father on the journey.” Joseph not only ensured his father would receive honor as a patriarch, but also that he would be outfitted for the journey back to Egypt with his entire family and possessions.

As his brothers departed, Joseph commanded them not to quarrel on the way home. Dr. John Walvoord writes, “This was not a time for accusations and recriminations. It was a time for joyful reunion. Yet he knew that they could fall out on the way home.”

Puritan Matthew Henry writes: “We are guilty, truly guilty, and, instead of quarrelling with one another, we have a great deal of reason to quarrel with ourselves. It does us no good to blame the others involved when we must own up to our misdeeds. We should just humbly admit our sin and ask for pardon. Let us also take care not to major on the minors and make relatively minor theological positions a litmus test for fellowship.”

Have a blessed day in the LORD.

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Podcast begins June 1, Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁶ “When the report was heard in Pharaoh’s house, “Joseph’s brothers have come,” it pleased Pharaoh and his servants. ¹⁷ And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: load your beasts and go back to the land of Canaan, ¹⁸ and take your father and your households, and come to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat the fat of the land.’ ¹⁹ And you, Joseph, are commanded to say, ‘Do this: take wagons from the land of Egypt for your little ones and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. ²⁰ Have no concern for your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’ ” (Genesis 45:16–20 (ESV)

What was Pharaoh’s reaction to all that occurred? What did he think regarding Joseph’s reunion and reconciliation with his brothers? How did he feel about these circumstances involving Egypt’s governor?

Moses does not delay in providing an answer to these questions. Pharaoh was pleased when he heard the report of Joseph and his brothers. This reunion was not something in which he felt threatened by in any way. He understood the importance of Joseph reuniting with his family and for them to relocate to Egypt.

In fact, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: load your beasts and go back to the land of Canaan, ¹⁸ and take your father and your households, and come to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat the fat of the land.”

Pharaoh continued with a gracious and endearing command for Joseph’s brothers to take Egyptian wagons with them back to Canaan. The wagons would serve to transport their women and children from their homeland back to Egypt. Even Jacob was included in Pharaoh’s command for Joseph’s family to “come.”

Pharaoh’s final directive was for Jacob’s family not to concern themselves with food once they arrived in Egypt. The best of land was at their disposal and for their benefit. The king’s seal of approval was conspicuous.

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains, “Pharaoh puts his seal of approval on Joseph’s offer and gives the brothers the means to transport their families to his land. The king of Egypt is pleased to do this (v. 16), for his faithful Hebrew vice-regent has saved his country and people. As God promised, the seed of Abraham has blessed the nations (12:1–3). Pharaoh, who has benefited because he blessed this seed (Joseph, 41:37–45), wisely chooses to bless the rest of the Lord’s chosen. Pharaoh’s blessing on Jacob’s sons and the consequent favor the Lord showed to him (47:20) is an important fulfillment of God’s pledge to Abraham and was especially important for the original readers of Genesis. This audience lived in Egypt under the rule of a pharaoh who did not know Joseph and who cursed Jacob’s sons with slavery (Ex. 1:8–14). These readers, who were also children of Abraham, could look to Genesis and understand their slavery would not last forever.:

Dr. Sproul concludes, “Since God blessed those who blessed Abraham’s seed in Joseph’s day, the Israelites could see that He would certainly curse the pharaoh who persecuted them centuries later (Gen. 12:1–3). Likewise, we who are Abraham’s seed in Christ (Gal. 3:29) can be confident that the Lord will one day bless those who bless us and curse those who curse us. This should motivate us to be a blessing to other Christians — other sons of Abraham — for if we bless them, our own blessing and reward will be that much greater.”

Romans 12:16-18 says, “¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Let this be said of us. Have a blessed day in the LORD. May each of us be a blessing to others.

Soli deo Gloria!   

The His Word Today Podcast begins June 1, Soli deo Gloria!

⁹ “Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry. ¹⁰ You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. ¹¹ There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.’ ¹² And now your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. ¹³ You must tell my father of all my honor in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” ¹⁴ Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck. ¹⁵ And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them. After that his brothers talked with him” (Genesis 45:9–15 (ESV)

You get the sense from today’s text that Joseph could not talk fast enough with all that he said to his brothers. One imagines that his speech could not keep up with his thoughts.

Joseph wanted his brothers to hurry back home and tell their father that he was alive and that the LORD had made him lord of all of Egypt. He then wanted Jacob to come down to Egypt and to do so quickly. In fact, he wanted the entire family and livestock to come.

Upon Jacob’s arrival, the family and herds would settle in an adjacent land called Goshen. This way Joseph’s entire Jewish family would be near him. Joseph spent twenty two years away from his Hebrew family. He did not desire to be apart from them any longer.

Joseph reassured his brothers that he was indeed their brother. He reiterated to them to tell Jacob of all the honor God had given him. He also reminded them to bring Jacob quickly down to Egypt. Perhaps Joseph was concerned that his father would die before they could be reunited.

It was at this moment that Joseph could no longer maintain his self-control. He embraced his brother Benjamin and both brothers wept. Joseph then embraced, kissed and wept with his ten elder brothers. The text does not say the elder brothers wept with Joseph as Benjamin did. Then they all talked.

One author writes, “Only Joseph and Benjamin could embrace and weep with joy at first, since the latter took no part in the evil deeds of his brothers (45:14). Joseph had to take the initiative to hug the others, and they did not weep. They must have been stunned to see Joseph alive and likely struggled to accept his forgiveness (see also 50:15–18). It took time for them to speak freely with the one they wronged (45:15).”

Our sins against other people can make it hard for us to accept their forgiveness. The same can be said when others sin against us and are hesitant to accept our forgiveness. But when others truly forgive us for the wrongs we have done, let us freely receive their pardon. Likewise, when we forgive others, we must do so with sensitivity, aware that they may have trouble understanding that their relationship with us is restored.

Soli deo Gloria!  

⁴ “So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. ⁵ And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. ⁶ For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. ⁷ And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. ⁸ So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt” (Genesis 45:4–8 (ESV)

Joseph continued to address his brothers and to tell them that he indeed was their brother Joseph. He acknowledged the truth that they had sold him into Egyptian slavery. This was a fact that only Joseph, and his ten elder brothers, knew to be true.

However, Joseph had a divine perspective on the events of his life during the previous twenty-two years. He told his brothers not to be angry with themselves or worried about retribution. Joseph understood that God had sovereignly and providentially sent him to Egypt. This was in order to not only preserve the life of the people of Egypt and the surrounding nations, but also the members of Joseph’s own family.

Today’s text reveals that the seven year famine has been in existence for only two years. There were five years remaining in which there would be no sowing or reaping of a harvest. This would mean that Joseph was thirty nine years old (Gen. 37:2; 41:46).

Joseph then said a second time that God had sent him to Egypt. This was to preserve a remnant on earth and to keep alive the many who would survive the famine.

Joseph then told his brothers a third and fourth time that they had not sent him to Egypt, but rather God. It was the LORD who made him a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and a ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “A father to Pharaoh was a title that belonged to viziers and that designated one who, though unrelated to Pharaoh, nevertheless performed a valuable function and held a high position, which in Joseph’s case was “lord of all Egypt” (v. 9). A new and younger Pharaoh now reigned, Senusert III, c. 1878–1841 B.C.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Joseph’s words are some of the most important and extensive in all of Scripture on the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. He refers to the Lord’s activity and intent in his travails four times, affirming his belief in God’s providential governing of history. In reality, his confidence in the Creator’s sovereignty is one factor enabling Joseph to forgive his brothers. In hindsight, he is able to see God’s invisible hand; thus, there is no place for revenge since Joseph knows the Lord used his years of suffering for His good, redemptive plan (v. 5). God used the wicked act of his brothers to advance His will, despite their ignorance. Once more we see the central theme of Joseph’s life, namely that God’s providential rule uses evil, but only for His good ends. His sovereignty is so encompassing that Joseph can even tell his brothers: “It was not you who sent me here, but God” (v. 8).”

As you look upon your life, in what ways do you see the invisible hand of God? Take the opportunity today to remember, reflect and rejoice in the LORD’s providence.

Precious memories, unseen angels
Sent from somewhere to my soul
How they linger, ever near me
And the sacred past unfolds.

Precious memories, how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness, of the midnight
Precious sacred scenes unfold.

Soli deo Gloria!