12/4/22 - Jesus Is A Better Joseph - Genesis 46-47 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Finally, the moment arrives. Father and son reunited after 20 years. What a sight for both. Joseph arrives in style. He would have been wearing the white linen of aristocracy, surrounded by an entourage while riding in one of his personal chariots.    It’s an emotional reunion…As soon as Joseph appears before Jacob, the son throws his arms around his father and he weeps for a long time. Jacob said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.” -Genesis 46:29-30   It’s been a long, long time, so naturally the tears flow. The family looks on in amazement and joy. Both men are much older and both have had terrible pain and suffering. However, in this moment it all disappears and there is enough joy for dad to proclaim, “It doesn’t get any better than this, I can die right now a peaceful and happy man.” They will in fact have 17 years together. Jacob embraces Joseph not just as his son, but also as the one who has brought the entire family salvation from the famine.   Genesis points to Jesus. Joseph’s story is a foreshadow of the salvation that is to come. Jesus was rejected by his own, just like Joseph. Jesus was sold for money, just like Joseph. Joseph would save his family and all of Egypt. Jesus will save the world. Jesus is a better Joseph.   The story of Jacob and his son Joseph is one of difficulties. But the steady underlying presence of God working in and through their lives has brought it to a beautiful conclusion. Rest assured; everything that comes to us in this life, whether we regard it as good or evil, is meant to prosper us. Those who regard God’s word as truth will ultimately prevail and experience blessing. Until then, let’s continue to take courage from those who have gone before us and remember Paul’s words in Romans 15:4.   "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."