Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)
As we look at the life of Joseph, we come to the moment when Joseph and his father Jacob were reunited. This stands out as one of the most precious moments in the life of Joseph and one of the most tender moments recorded in the Word of God.
In Genesis chapter forty-six, we find the account of Jacob, his sons, and their families entering Egypt. These seventy souls and their descendants would form the nation of Israel, the nation through which God would bless the entire world. Then we read of Jacob meeting Joseph in Genesis 46:28-30.
Joseph was filled with expectation at the thought of seeing his father. He had not seen his father since he was seventeen years old. He mounted his chariot and went to meet him. When he saw him, “he fell on his neck, and wept a good while.” What a tender, sweet moment!
Remember the Good among the Bad
This had not been an easy road for Joseph or Jacob. Joseph had not lived an easy life separated from his family. However, Joseph was able to remember the good among the bad. God rewarded him with a precious moment in his lifetime when he could embrace his father. God allowed them both to be together.
If we are not careful, we will get into a ditch of despair and discouragement and forget the good among the bad. We have all had times of heartache, but can we still rejoice and praise God for the good things? We need to say by God’s grace, “I’m not going to forget all the good things God has done for me.”
Joseph waited a long time to be able to hug his father, put his arms around him, and weep on his father’s neck. God gave him that precious moment in his life. Of all people, Christian people have so much for which to be thankful.
Honor Our Parents
Time after time, Joseph asked about his father. Then, when they finally met, the Bible says he stayed with his father “a good while.” This passage reminds us that we should honor our parents.
We read of this in Exodus 20:12. This is the fifth of the Ten Commandments: “Honour thy father and thy mother.” It is God’s command.
In Ephesians 6:1, the Bible says, “Children, obey your parents.” Then in verse two, we find, “Honour thy father and thy mother.” Obedience is an action. Honor is an attitude.
Even when you are grown and gone from home and have a family of your own, you are still obligated before God to honor your parents. You will not always be under their authority, but you will never escape the commandment of God to honor them. Joseph was true to God’s command. He honored his father.
Do What We Can While We Can
God allowed Jacob and Joseph to live so they could see one another. He gave them precious time together. Remember that there is coming a day when the opportunity to do every good thing you want to do for someone will be gone. Do what you can while you can. If you are going to show love to someone, if you are going to speak a word of encouragement, do it while you can.
Of all the things we do, there is nothing more important than trusting Christ as Savior. While you have the opportunity, trust the Lord Jesus as Savior. There is not one person in Hell who does not wish he had another opportunity to trust Christ. If you have never asked Jesus to forgive your sin and by faith received Him as your Savior, then you have an opportunity to do what you can while you can.
If you are a Christian and you know there are some things in your life you have neglected to do, then while you can, do something about it. While the Holy Spirit is speaking to you, come before the Lord in prayer and say, “God forgive me and cleanse me. Help me to be what I should be and do what I should do while there is still time.”