23rd. May. 2022. Daily Devotion.
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. 27 But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts, Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said, ‘I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.’ Genesis 45:25-28
Jacob had sent his sons to Egypt with fear and trembling. Though he had been promised God’s blessing, he also felt the weight of pain and loss that had built up in his life. We can imagine that Jacob spent long days during his sons’ absence reflecting, worrying, and perhaps praying for a safe return. And although the Bible tells us the remarkable story of the brothers’ reunion and reconciliation with Joseph (Genesis 43:15-45:15), their father knew none of that until their return.
Waiting is sometimes a key part of God’s work in us. But then come moments of revelation when it is suddenly clear that God has been up to something all along.
That happens to Jacob as he hears his sons’ account of their interactions with Joseph, and as he sees the carts and provisions that Joseph has sent from Egypt. Jacob suddenly has the courage to set aside twenty years of mourning for his lost son, to leave the comfort of a land that was home, and to set out on a new journey in faith.
God delights to give his children good gifts. The death of Jesus on the cross is followed on the third day by the glorious news that Jesus is alive and that his resurrection means renewed life for all who put their faith in him (Acts 4:10-12).
Wait on God’s timing, trust in Christ’s work, and receive from him the gift of unexpected joy. J Van de Werke
Lord, open our eyes to see your work in us. Convince us that your grace is real and that you supply hope and healing in Jesus for all our disappointments and challenges. Amen.
From the throne of your glory, O Lord, send forth your wisdom to live in our hearts, to be at work in our lives and to speak in our conscience; that our thoughts, words and actions may be according to your will and reveal your glory; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Aelred of Rievaulx (c.1109-1167)
God of the wild places and margins, give us the grace to honour those who are different. God of the dispossessed and empty, give us humility to value in others the things we lack. God of the spiritually poor and cynical, give us the self-awareness to avoid arrogance. God of the aggressive and defensive,
give us the courage and patience to love unconditionally God of ourselves, give us the tenderness to see ourselves as you see us. Amen.
For peace and safety amid unrest
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace: let the design of thy great love lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows: and give peace to thy Church, peace among nations, peace in our dwellings, and peace in our hearts: through thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Church of England