Family Support
It took three days for them to get to Indy. My Texas-retired parents got on the road when my due-date drew near. My dad had a plan. He would follow us to the hospital when the time came. He and Mom would be our back-up, our security…to make sure nothing bad happened. We had been married six years and it was our first child. But Dad continued to hover over us whether we liked it or not. I’m not sure my husband like it at all. But it was always that way. All I had ever known. Incredible security. Even years later, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, my parents drove all night to get to me. They were always there. Committed, adoring parents who did everything they could to protect me and to provide for my needs. Their love was obvious, though often overboard. But family support was the name of their game. I grew up never knowing anything different. As an adult, I began to understand their incredible gift…the power of family support.
Read Genesis 45:16-19
1. Describe how Pharaoh and his officers reacted when they learned Joseph’s brothers had come. Why do you think they were so generous?
Read Genesis 45:20-24
2. What detail seems important to you in the way Joseph distributed provisions and gifts to his brothers?
3. What do you notice Joseph told his brothers when they left. Why do you think he would say that to them?
Genesis 45:25-28
4. How did Jacob first respond to the good news?
5. What convinced him the news was true? Compare Jacob’s reaction here to his state of mind in Genesis 42:38.
After years of grieving, Jacob’s spirit was revived by the good news. The son he presumed dead was now ruler of Egypt. Joseph wanted his father, brothers, and families to move close to him. He provided for their journey and loaded them down with gifts to show his love. He would protect and provide for them. He would make sure they wouldn’t starve in the remaining years of famine. This once estranged, needy family would experience grace personified. Life would be different for them in Egypt. Their long-lost brother, whom they had hated, would be their ruler too. But Joseph did not want to lord it over them; he longed to lovingly support his father and brothers. He had all the power needed to take care of them forever. Joseph would be there for them. He was their family support.
Have you experienced that kind of support? Sometimes we long to be independent and go it alone. But how beautiful it is to know those you love are there for you. Our family has experienced some heavy trials in the last couple of months. But each one has come alongside to provide what’s needed. From sitting all night in a hospital to praying fervently together, we know the wealth of family love. Be there for those you love. There’s not a greater gift you can give than your support.
The first part of the lesson – Family support – that is just what loved ones does in the time of need – such a wonderful feeling to be loved so much all the time – and this is just the way JESUS does us – HE loves us so much all the way down through our life – I just do not understand why you would not want to serve HIM with all of your heart and life – HE LOVED US SO MUCH. Pharaoh was so pleased because it was one of his servant’s families and wanted to give them everything which was good. They were given land in Egypt – they were given everything they would need. The gifts they were given because they were family – families just do that with their loved ones. He told them to be safe on the road back to the Father and brothers. Jacob fainted from the news that Joseph was alive and all that GOD had given to Joseph and worked things out in his life. When Jacob was told all the things – saw the wagons filled with food and the gifts – Jacob’s heart revived – GOD IS SO GOOD TO EACH ONE OF US. Jacob wanted to go and see Joseph before he passed away – Joseph wanted them to move closer to him – just another way of GOD taking care of other family members. I love the giving support to the other members of the family – the way that GOD is always there to support HIS children – it is so wonderful to be loved. Another wonderful lesson – Karen – Thank you so much. I have enjoyed each lesson so much – GOD bless you in HIS work.