Joseph—reunited
Last time on Choosing Peace, we dug into the concept of coming full circle—learning how Joseph, his brother Judah and Yours Truly came full circle in our lives. I wrote the Highlights list from my life and encouraged my Peaceful Readers to do the same. Did you write your list yet? It’s an important exercise.
Reminded
Thinking about part 12 reminds me of the revealing post about equilibrium. It included The Scarlet Letter, the Trauma Scale, and the story of a girl named Brittany—plus important questions:
What is your resting emotional or mental state? In other words, when you’re cruising through a “normal” day, without anything particularly out-of-the-ordinary going on, how do you feel? What do you think about? Where do your emotions, thoughts and words hover or center?
Explore Questions and Answers, part 2, about the deep subject of equilibrium. (And explore Q&A part 1 too.)
While I was updating the index recently, I realized that the last post was actually part 2 of My Story. What a wonderful surprise. See the H thru M page of the index for My Story and much more.
Let’s return to the beautiful story of Joseph and his father Jacob. Get ready to read about Justin Bieber, a church in Hawaii, and what happened to Esau.
Reverence and reassurance
The time came for Jacob—now called Israel—to sojourn to Egypt with his descendants—all of Joseph’s brothers and sisters, their spouses and children, their children’s children, etc.—plus their servants and all their belongings. They were escaping a horrific, 7-year famine. And Joseph sent the moving truck—I mean Pharaoh’s wagons. (See part 12.)
So Israel set out with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
Genesis 46:1, New Heart English Bible
Worshiping far from home
Jacob’s reverence before the Lord can inspire us today. Even while moving with his descendants and everything they owned, Jacob stopped to worship and offer sacrifices to God. I don’t have the foggiest idea what’s really entailed in offering an animal sacrifice, but I know it took time and focus and effort. Setting up and preparing the altar. Choosing the best animals. Slaying them. And offering them to the Lord. Did they say special words? I believe they did. Did they pray and sing and worship? I wonder….
I believe they did.
Jacob/Israel was reverent to God—his God. He would not have rushed. He would have stayed and humbly focused on the Lord.
Traveling
Have you ever gone to church while you were traveling? When Brandon and I were in Hawaii for our 20th anniversary, we worshiped at a nearby church and were really blessed. Part of the singing was in English and part of it was in the traditional Hawaiian language. Lovely.
“Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.”
Chorus of “For the Beauty of the Earth”
Public domain
Before the service that Sunday, they had an old-fashioned Hymn Sing. People got to request their favorite hymns. I think I requested “Blessed Assurance.” I love the peace and joy of this version by Southern Raised. I hope it blesses you today.
Prepared
Joseph’s father Jacob knew this move was a big deal. They were leaving their home in Canaan and moving to a foreign land where they didn’t speak the language or live the customs. But God had prepared the way through Joseph—Pharaoh’s right-hand man. Joseph was powerful and wealthy. He had a location chosen for them to live and told his brothers that he would take care of them all. Pharaoh himself communicated through Joseph: “[Do] not worry about your possessions, for the best of all of the land of Egypt is yours” ~ Genesis 45:20, NHEB.
Even though the Lord had prepared the way, Jacob knew they needed God’s presence and help. The move itself was no small task, logistically-speaking, with Jacob’s 66 descendants, plus his sons’ wives and any servants. What if marauders attacked their caravan? What if people got sick or injured? Jacob’s decision to offer sacrifices as they traveled communicated this truth:
“God, we need you. Please help us.
We need your presence. Be with us. Be near.”
The vision and the voice
Jacob called. And God answered.
…God spoke to Israel in a vision at night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I will go down with you into Egypt, and I myself will surely bring you up again, and Joseph will close your eyes.”
Genesis 46:2-4, New Heart English Bible
Called by name
God gave Jacob/Israel a vision. Needless to say, a vision from God is a very big deal. I’ve received one vision from the Lord in my 60-something years of life. In Jacob’s vision, God called him by name. Remember this always. God knows your name. He knows you by name. Read the section called The Importance of Names in this post. When Jacob replied “Here I am,” what did that really communicate? In my mind, it said, “I’m here. I’m listening. I’m yours. I’m humble. I’m ready to obey.”
God’s character
The words of the Lord to Jacob show God’s great kindness and foreknowledge. He gave Jacob one and only one instruction: “Do not be afraid….” God reassured Jacob with important facts. (1) Going to Egypt was God’s plan. (2) God would make Jacob/Israel into “a great nation” there. (3) God would be with Jacob. (4) Jacob would be reunited with his long-lost son Joseph. (5) Joseph would be with Jacob when he died. (6) Joseph would close his eyes. (7) Jacob would be buried with his people in Canaan.
What a remarkable reassurance from the Lord about Jacob’s future—and his descendants’ future.
Your turn
Peaceful Reader, can you think of a time when you called to God and he answered you right away—through the Holy Spirit’s still, small voice or in some other way? Get out your journal or a piece of paper and reflect on the time or times that come to mind. What do these experiences tell you about God and his presence? His attentiveness to you? His nearness?
Drink in some wonderful stories of the Lord’s presence and nearness in my life in The Holy Spirit: part 1, part 5 and part 6.
God of Jacob—or not
In the vision described above, God described himself as “the God of your father.” Likewise, the phrase “God of Jacob” is used 23 times in the Bible. Twenty-three times. What does “God of Jacob” mean? Jacob was reverent before the Lord. He knew the Lord.
God revealed his presence and power directly to Jacob.
Consider these remarkable interactions:
1. Jacob’s ladder: God narrated Jacob’s vivid dream.
2. God spoke to Jacob and gave him an instruction and assurance.
3. Another narrated dream, with an instruction.
4. Jacob met God’s angel army.
5. Jacob wrestled with God and prevailed.
6. God spoke to Jacob with more instructions.
7. God appeared to Jacob, spoke to him and blessed him.
Jacob and his family lived in Canaan for many years. Jacob’s family worshiped God. The Canaanites had their own gods, including Baal and Molech. Jacob’s family and the people all around them lived and worshiped quite differently. The Canaanites worshiped Molech and burned infants to death as part of their religious rituals. Some of Jacob’s grandchildren were born to Canaanite women.
Dangerous times
How do these issues relate to life today? What’s the difference between God’s people and those who reject him or rabidly oppose him? Are you sitting down?
As you peruse this list, follow where the Lord leads.
Molech—then and now
♦ “At Carthage, Child Sacrifice?”
Consider the Biblical Archaeology Society’s compelling evidence.
♦ “The Vatican Places Giant Statue of Molech at Colosseum Entrance”
Read this shocking article and take a careful look at the statue. (Satanic imagery includes the all-seeing eye.)
♦ “America’s Molech Worship, part 1”
With excellent historical information about James Wilson, one of the framers of our constitution, Ryan Cox addresses the God-given (and constitutional) right to life.
Prostitution/trafficking/sexual abuse
♦ “Sacred Prostitution in the Story of Judah and Tamar”
The archaeological findings in the second half of this article are very revealing.
♦ “Canaanite Practices”
This article provides an excellent summary of the many evils committed by the Canaanites, including temple prostitution, polytheism (worshiping multiple false gods), sorcery, and child sacrifice.
♦ “The Disappearance of Amy Lynn Bradley”
This 5-minute video describes the disturbing case of 23-year-old Amy Lynn Bradley, who was kidnapped and trafficked in 1998 during a cruise with her family. Amy was obviously targeted by staff and a member of the band on the cruise ship. Amy is still missing. Please pray for her rescue and salvation—and for justice. (Many other videos have been made covering this case, if you’d like more information.)
♦ “Gateway Church Founder Robert Morris Indicted on Child Sex Abuse Charges”
While an indictment is not a conviction, it constitutes a major victory. See this post for more.
For more about modern-day trafficking, read this post and this post. To explore 1800s slavery, see this post and this post.
Marxism—basics and tactics
Illegal immigration represents the lynchpin tactic of attempted Marxism in the United States.
♦ “Why I Quit Being a Marxist” by Thomas Sowell
Watch this outstanding, revealing 7-minute video. Whose children are drawn to Marxism? The answer may surprise you.
♦ “Elon’s Startling Warning About the Future of America” by Liz Wheeler
This 14-minute clip demonstrates the left’s Marxist tactics: orchestrated illegal immigration; voter fraud; and the destabilization of welfare, education and the family. Leftists fire-bombed the GOP headquarters in Albuquerque, NM and wrote “ICE = KKK” on the side of the building. Why? Liz’s pointed explanation hits the mark.
♦ “Hilarious Parody Videos Mocking Selena Gomez’s Breakdown Over Illegals Go Viral”
We The People declared a resounding “no” to pop star Selena Gomez’s ridiculous crying video over the deportation of “my people”—dangerous illegal aliens. If you need a good laugh today, plus some serious eye-rolling, this 4-minute video is the one for you.
♦ “Lefties Losing It: Donald Trump admonishes ‘low rated’ CNN reporter”
You gotta love Lefties Losing It. More leftist lunacy over deporting an MS-13 gang member. Excuse me? Hear from AG Pam Bondi, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the president of El Salvador, who called the CNN reporter’s questions “preposterous.” Indeed.
See part 10 of The Gift of the Bible for the important PBD podcast about the tactics and agenda behind illegal immigration.
The mafia, mainstream media and the music industry
Whether or not you’re interested in pop music or the music industry, this podcast reveals important things about the powerful, disturbing connections between the mafia, the legal system, mainstream media and the music industry.
♦ “I Know the Truth About Justin Bieber” by Candace Owens (episode 175)
Candace believes 2025 will be about “evil getting exposed.” Amen to that. What are black propaganda campaigns? Paid/targeted media campaigns against artists who try to escape. Learn about the mafia’s role in the music industry and their power over the courts. Includes clips from episode 55 about Michael Jackson. The music industry machine lost control of Bieber when he married and became a Christian. “There is no way out for these artists.” “It is very sinister.” I think you’ll appreciate the focus of this podcast: Truth.
“I know the power of truth when it’s spoken.”
“A lie is no match for the truth.”
~ Candace Owens
Likewise, explore part 4 of A Year in the Life for the mafia’s mastermind role in the NFL—the gambling, the game scripting, the murders.
Revealing and disturbing attire
Compared to the other topics in this section about danger, the clothes we wear may appear to be insignificant; but our attire matters greatly. Should a Christian’s attire differ from what the world promotes and celebrates? Absolutely. As we honor our Lord Jesus, we must walk respectfully in the light.
♦ “5 Things Christian Women Need to STOP Wearing” by Allen Parr
This outstanding 21-minute podcast says what needs to be said and includes the issues of self-respect and respect for others. Very, very well done.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2, New Heart English Bible
Protecting our children
Likewise, we must protect our children from inappropriate attire. Drink in the facts and MSM’s cover-up of Target’s satanic and LGBTQ line of children’s clothing in this important post from last summer.
Reflecting
Has someone’s clothing ever shocked you? Scared you? Disturbed you? What did you think about the person wearing those clothes? Would you ask him or her to babysit your toddler? To take care of your kind, elderly relative or a sick friend?
Clothing choices give us clues that we can’t ignore. So do words—spoken and unspoken. So do facial expressions and eye contact (or lack thereof). So do hairstyle/color, body art and body mutilation. So do behaviors—things done and not done. What is God showing you? Telling you? Revealing to you? Is he giving you a warning?
Compare and contrast
Then and now
Jacob’s heart belonged to God. His long-term neighbors, the Canaanites, served false gods and defiled themselves in their religious rituals, including prostitution, sorcery and murder. Their practices were evil and extremely destructive.
Things are the same today. There’s God’s way and the world’s way. One brings life; the other brings death. One brings honor; the other brings destruction. One brings peace; the other brings chaos. (See Current Events in the index.)
Two teams
Last summer I wrote about Team Jesus and Team Deception. Here’s a segment from A Year in the Life, part 12:
Walking and resisting
Have you encountered evil? Have you walked away from someone or something? Did you walk away from a person? A group? A place? A town? A church? A job? A career? A decision? A lifestyle? A habit? A sin? A family? The people in the house?
You’re not alone. Resist evil. Be encouraged by 1 Peter 5:6-11 and see the addendum at the end of part 7.
Esau’s fate
The nation of Israel came through Jacob. What about his twin brother Esau? What happened to him and his descendants? They were sometimes called the Edomites.
“The house of Jacob will be a fire, the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble. They will burn among them, and devour them. There will not be any remaining to the house of Esau.” Indeed, the LORD has spoken.
Obadiah 1:18, New Heart English Bible
Read some more verses about the fate of Esau and his descendants:
♦ Jeremiah 49:10
♦ Obadiah 1:8-9
♦ Malachi 1:2-3
Chosen and not chosen
Why did Esau not obtain God’s favor? Reflect on Hebrews 12:14-17. We may not understand all these things, but we know this: The Lord looks at the heart. The Lord knows the mind and the heart of each one of us. And he knew Esau, whose line was wiped out. God chose rightly. And he chose Jacob—a reverent man devoted to the Lord.
A trustworthy son—Judah
As Jacob and his big family approached their new home in Egypt, he sent his son Judah ahead to meet Joseph and find out exactly where they needed to go. Why did Jacob choose Judah, his fourth-born son? Because he could trust him. From part 11, “The Lord used the many difficulties and losses in Judah’s life to humble him and bring him to repentance.” I can relate to that. Maybe you can too. Judah became the spokesman for his brothers and displayed godly leadership. His life came full circle. Explore part 11 and part 12 for Judah’s wonderful story and more.
Reunited
Chapter 46 of Genesis ends with the beautiful scene where Joseph and his father Israel are finally reunited.
And Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet his father Israel in Goshen. And he presented himself to him and he threw his arms around his neck and wept for a long time. Then Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die since I have seen your face, that you are still alive.”
Genesis 46:29-30, New Heart English Bible
Joseph knew how much his dad loved him. He was deeply loved. He was cherished. And he felt that love. Now, after 22 years apart, they were finally together again. What a bittersweet reunion. Joseph didn’t know how much time his dad had left. With the beautiful glimpses the Bible has given us into Joseph’s character, I believe he made good, valuable use of this period of time with his dad—and gave God all the glory, with a heaping helping of gratitude.
Fear not, Peaceful Readers. Jacob had more important things to say and do. And so do we.
A glorious, peaceful Easter to you all from Frankie Ann
Coming next: Jacob meets Pharaoh. Can you imagine that? Jacob also bestows blessings on his sons and Joseph’s sons. Very revealing blessings, inspired by God Almighty.
Until next time, thanks for reading and for Choosing Peace.
Truth from The Word: Job 10:12
Song: “Praise God for That” by Jordan Feliz
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