Page 203 - Radical Love by Linda Robinson

RADICAL LOVE

These were words spoken by Joseph after the Lord, in His kindness,

had reunited Joseph’s family in Egypt. He invited them to join him—
to live under his care in this foreign land—because there was a severe

famine throughout the whole Middle Eastern region at that time. Let’s
look at what else he said, in Genesis 45:11 (NKJV):

“There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that

you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine.”

Do you see the similarities here? The meaning of “Goshen” is drawing

near. Joseph told his brothers that they should live in Goshen so that
they, their families, and all they had would be under his protective

covering. It was important to stay there because it was the place of

provision, blessing, and protection.

We also encounter Goshen in the book of Exodus, when God sent ten

plagues upon the land of Egypt. When the plagues were released, they
affected the entire nation—apart from one area: the Land of Goshen.

“And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people
dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know

that I am the Lord in the midst of the land.” (Exodus 8:22, NKJV)

Therefore, as we draw near to the place of intimacy and fellowship with
God—just as the garden in Song of Songs is enclosed and shut off from

the world—we too are surrounded by God. And He draws near to us,
providing all that is needed to make us beautiful, lush, and fruitful, like

the garden depicted in Chapter 4, verse 12.

189