Family Reunions
Reunited and it feels so good. Cousins I hadn’t seen since childhood gathered under one roof. There were so many people, we needed name tags. Children and grandchildren had to be introduced. This is your grandma’s cousin…while it probably didn’t mean much to the little ones, it was a rich encounter for me. The older I get, I find it extremely important to stay connected with extended family. We share deep common roots. I looked around and saw my dad’s eyes and his smile reflected in so many faces. Our first reunion in 2012 created an avalanche of intentional encounters. We have remained close. Not only through Facebook but because of common musical interests. We’ve made road trips to each other’s homes and keep in touch like never before. All because of that first reunion. We found out that we need each other. We care for one another like no one else. Our relationships were rekindled. and there’s a special bond among us that can’t be explained. All because we’re family.
Read Genesis 46:1-4
1. What did God say to Jacob when he started his journey to Egypt with his family? What was God’s promise?
Read Genesis 46:5-7 and 26-27
2 Who accompanied Jacob on this journey? What did they take with them?
Read Genesis 46:28
3. Who was the first one Jacob sent to meet Joseph in Goshen? Why is this significant? (See Genesis 43:3-9)
Read Genesis 46:29-30
4. What detail seems important in Joseph’s reunion with his father?
Read Genesis 46:31-34
5. What do you find interesting about Joseph’s instructions to his father’s household about them settling in Goshen?
This reunion reminds me of a story we all heard on the news a few years ago. A case of mistaken identity caused a family to believe their daughter had died in a tragic accident. Even after a funeral and burial, the parents never realized their daughter was actually fighting for her life hundreds of miles away. Another family was keeping prayer vigil over her, believing she was their own. After several weeks, the grieving family learned that their daughter was alive. The girl they had buried was actually the daughter of the other family. Weeks of mourning and adjustment were suddenly reversed. Can you imagine their joy to learn their daughter was alive. What a reunion that must have been! Like Joseph, she was brought back to life after they thought she was dead.
But we can’t forget to mention the pain of the family who learned their daughter wasn’t the one recuperating in that hospital bed. Their daughter had been the one who died in the accident. Their story was broadcast nationwide for all to hear. Two families looked beyond their pain to God’s ultimate plan. They didn’t blame anyone. The impact of their testimony reached around the globe as many watched two Christian families, shaken by a shared tragedy, openly forgive and love each other. Even in their pain, God’s grace was evident.
GOD told Jacob not to fear to go down into Egypt – GOD would make of Jacob a great nation – they were all going to be together as a great family and Joseph will be there to guide them. The whole family went with Jacob on this journey into Egypt – the boys carried their father and their little ones and wives in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry them. They took their cattle and all of their goods – it was Jacob and all of his seed with him. They took everything with them. Jacob sent Judah before him unto Joseph – Joseph went to meet his father and presented himself unto him – they wept together for a good while. This is usually what families do when they have not seen each other in a long time – Joseph just to know that the family was all alive. The story of the other family praying over a daughter that was not there family and the one family thinking their daughter was dead – both happenings in the two families was very sad for both of them – but finally finding out the difference – I felt sorry for both of the families – really that must have been and awful feeling – Family is very important to each one of us – it is so important that families be together at times. GOD is so good to each one of us. Great lesson again – Karen – we can all think about our families and pray each day for each other – GOD is so good.