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Friday October 10 - God our Saviour
Joseph... went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a
long time. Genesis 46:29
Twenty years is a long time to live believing your son is dead. Jacob had not seen his beloved son since, back in Canaan, he’d sent Joseph on an errand to see how his brothers were doing. Now, as Jacob approached Goshen, Joseph came out to meet him. Overcome with joy, he threw his arms around his dad and wept for a long time. I imagine Jacob’s broken heart responded in like manner to the warmth of his son’s embrace, the tear-filled embrace of lost years, forgiveness, reconciliation and unbridled happiness. The father’s mourning had turned to joy. God had given them, “a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3).
Our story has similarities to that of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), but with the role of father and son reversed. Both accounts end with a lingering embrace. Some of us today need such an embrace; circumstances or a coldness of heart may have caused you to fall away from the intimacy you once knew. Or perhaps you have never known the affirming arms of your Heavenly Father enfold you in his tender love. Take time now to yield to the unrelenting love of God, knowing that the arms that embrace you will lead you into your destiny.
Gracious Father, thank you that your arms are wide open. I need your embrace; wrap me in your grace. Please renew, restore, and use me for your glory. Amen.
Saturday October 11 - God our advocate
Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go
up and speak to Pharaoh...” Genesis 46:31
Following yesterday’s emotional reunion, Joseph undertook to speak to Pharaoh on behalf of his family. Joseph had earned the favour of Pharaoh by interpreting his dreams and faithfully serving him as his second in command. In this Joseph was well equipped to represent his family before Pharaoh. Joseph is a foretaste of Jesus who, in being our advocate, represents us before God. The Apostle John states, ‘If anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One’ (1 John 2:1). The writer to the Hebrews puts it this way: ‘Therefore he (Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them’ (Hebrews 7:25). Please take a moment to comprehend this wonderful truth. Jesus represents us before God; we have been found guilty but Jesus, on our behalf, makes a plea bargain, having paid the price of our sin on Calvary’s cross.
When Joseph died, there was no advocate for the people, no one to represent the Hebrews before Pharaoh. Later we read, ‘Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us...”’ (Exodus 1:8-9). Without an advocate to represent them, the Hebrew nation suffered oppression at the hands of their overlords. Joseph died, but – Hallelujah! – Jesus lives to intercede for us.
Thank you, Father, that Jesus rose again, to represent us eternally before your throne of grace. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY