QT 1/9/2026 Gen 46:28-34, The great healer

Genesis 46:28–34 (ESV) —

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.” 31 Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 And the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ 33 When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

 

NOTE: Joseph, despite his position, presented himself to his father. Even though Joseph had royal power, to his father, he was just a son, and his father would always demand the respect due him as his father. The moment is very touching. It is the first time they have seen each other in 20-plus years. What is not said, is how he escaped the wild beasts, and how he ended up in Pharaoh's court? Did they lie? Did they gloss over those details? It doesn't really matter. There was healing, and the love of the whole family is renewed. I suppose it could be that Jacob knew all along, but it doesn't matter. What matters is renewal, and restoration, and moving back to God.

 

We all go through difficult periods of life. It is time to let go of the past, and move forward. You can only do it through Jesus Christ -- all other paths will fail. Don't waste your time in human paths. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, but through me."

 

PONDER:

1. Has life thrown you wrenches?
2. Are you still recovering or wondering if you will ever recover?

 

PRAYER: Father, you are the great healer -- the great physician. You can heal the things that no one else can. Dig deep into our souls and show us our greatest need, and lead us into the path of healing, restoration, and salvation.