RPG Adults
GOOD NEWS OUT OF EGYPT!
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
Genesis 45:16-28
Psalm 37:31-40
The Lord reigneth!
GOOD NEWS OUT OF EGYPT!
Joseph’s extraordinary reunion with his brothers soon reached Pharaoh’s ears. Pharaoh was pleased with the report and extended his welcome to Joseph’s father and brothers. Without hesitation, he concurred with Joseph in his plan to save the family, and he made available for Joseph’s brothers all necessary transportation to move the family out of Canaan to Egypt (Gen 45:18). The groundwork was laid here for the Exodus, God’s mighty redemptive work, 400 years later.
It is amazing that God was saving Jacob’s family by the hand of a heathen people and a heathen king. But Pharaoh was acting out of gratitude to Joseph whom God had sent to be Egypt’s deliverer. The whole nation owed Joseph a debt, which was now being repaid:
1. Pharaoh personally directed the “rescue operation” by giving orders for a large convoy of animals, wagons and servants to fetch Jacob’s household out of Canaan. With genuine goodwill and magnanimity, Pharaoh said, “I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land” (Gen 45:18).
2. Joseph, Governor over the land of Egypt, then prepared all the necessary transport and provisions for the long journey, and for the sustenance of a household of about seventy souls. To Jacob his father, Joseph sent a special gift of corn, bread and meat carried on ten asses.
3. The brothers then led the convoy to Canaan and broke the good news to their father. To Jacob, it was incredible! The lost son, presumed dead for over twenty years, now Governor of Egypt! “And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not” (Gen 45:26).
To leave the Promised Land was never a part of Jacob’s thinking at any time, but he was compelled to do so for two considerations: to escape the grievous famine, and to see his long-lost son. “…I will go and see him before I die” (Gen 45:28).
THOUGHT: (Read Psalm 22:28.)
PRAYER: Let me learn to trust in Thee, one step at a time, O Father! The Lord reigneth!