Genesis 46:28-47:12
Joseph and Jacob and all of Jacob's family are finally reunited in Genesis 46:28-47:12. This is a very tender passage and I can just picture it in my mind. So now that the family has arrived, Joseph introduces them to Pharaoh and basically takes care of, and provides for, everyone. (Nice job, Joseph!) Joseph could have held a grudge against his brothers and let that influence him in a number of ways. But that's just not what we see--at all. What a great example for us in our relationships.
So what did you see or learn from Joseph about the importance of family, forgiveness and reconciliation? Tami W.
Here I see Jacob knew God's voice and obeyed without argument. In the place of his obedience God's promise to Abraham( he would be a father of many nations) was fulfilled. I may not understand what God is doing all I need to do is trust Him and obey only then can He fulfill His purpose and plan for me.
As family we should help one another, forgive one another, encourage one another, ..., love one another!
As indicated in Joseph's situation, I see how family relationships are important...key. Family relationships can and will affect persons: children, grandchildren or other relatives. It is so good when one is able to forgive, inspite of how badly you were treated previously; to show love - giving wholeheartedly of yourself, assisting in whatever way that you can. What a wonderful thing is a FAMILY REUNION!!
They're still too proud to listen to their young brother.
He told them to say they were keepers of livestock and not to say they're shepherds. So, what did they tell pharaoh? We're shepherds.
I am so happy to be "in the fold" at P4 with believers and sincere seekers. I have been in a "famine" for a while. I love the Lord, listen to teaching daily (BTTB), and actively participate in my local church. But I live another life, a secret one, on the internet...it's NOT what you think! I've been reading articles on Huffington Post and then leaving comments. The articles that get my attention are the hot-button issues: Chaz Bono dancing as a male, Australia offering 3 choices for gender on a passport application, laws to curb abortion. Most of my posts receive replies of bitter anger and hatred at my "intolerance." I always try to be sane, scriptural, civil and moderate in tone. I never post that someone is going to hell. I just try to calmly expose the truth of God, downplay my opinion/beliefs, and steer readers to websites for Godly counsel. Anyway, this first installment of P4 is, for me, a breath of Biblical fresh air! Back on huffpost, anyone who was reunited with his pseudo-murderous, lying brothers would be encouraged to set up a sting operation or set fire to the building where they were staying. The love and welcome Joseph offers is an example of the riches that can flow when we let go of blame and bitterness. Perhaps those long years of unjust prison time were spent getting his head and heart right before God.
Hi Karen, If you read Verse 31-32 it says: "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.'
I believe the "Keeper of livestock" and shepherd mean the same thing here.
Welcome to the P4 fold, Kaylon! And thanks for sharing a comment your very first day! We love that.
Meredith
P4 Team Member
God wonderfully and fearfully formed us and gave each of us to the parents that He chose. This tells me that family is not a random situation; it is God-given. I have 7 siblings and appreciate each one of them. They have been much more help to me than I have been to them, at least from my point of view. But I am trying to think of the location in the Bible where it says if a person is far from family, they should connect to a close-by friend. Maybe Proverbs?