From the time Jacob learned that Joseph was alive until the long-awaited hug, time must have dragged on. You know how that is when you are waiting for something to happen, like summer vacation from school when you were a kid. It seemed like it would never come.
Reunited at last. It was good to see all the brothers, nieces, cousins and such that Jacob’s family, his tribe really, had become. That was some family. I suppose when you are descended from Abraham, who was promised to be the father of many nations, at some point, your descendants begin to explode in number.
Goshen is the region directly north of Egypt. It’s the location Joseph had mentioned previously to his brothers, yet Pharaoh had promised Egypt. Joseph used his wisdom because he wanted to provide safety for this family. Because they were shepherds by trade, Joseph knew Egyptians didn’t like shepherds. We can’t tell from the text why that is exactly, but Joseph’s provision allows for a bit of a separation to keep them safe and comfortable. They will have ample land to spread out and let their livestock and families make a new home.
The hug. We hear it lasted a long time. It was probably something neither man ever imagined would happen again. Jacob said now he could die, his life was complete. Do you have that one thing you’d like to accomplish with your time remaining on earth?
It’s become quite stylish to have a “bucket list.” This list has all the things you’d like to do or see before you die. What sorts of things would make your list? Traveling around the world? Jumping out of an airplane? Being able to start an orphanage? Leading worship with Chris Tomlin? Having a horse you can ride every day? (Guess which one is NOT on my list!)
None of us know how long we are given to live. We watch loved ones and friends die young and others die old. There doesn’t seem to be any rationale for when we leave this life. Even people who eat healthily and exercise can fall prey to death’s call. So how we live each day becomes so important. It might just be our last.
For us Christians, we also look forward to the day of Christ’s return. We may doubt we’ll see that day come in our lifetime, but we should live each day in expectant hope. As I write this, we are in the season of Advent. It’s a time for expectant hope and preparation for Christmas and the return of Christ as he promised. We shouldn’t need a “season” to get our hearts right. We should let hope, peace, joy, and love fill us every day as we wait. I can do a better job of that, how about you?
Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you for this life you have given me. I do long for the day that you return in all your glory. To see it in my life time would be spectacular, but I know your timing is perfect. Help me to live each day to the fullest in this time of waiting. Use me to be the shining light others need to see you. May your goodness be reflected in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
