Living the beautiful life in a world of death

Life is Beautiful

(Genesis 46:28-34, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, September 27, 2015)

[28] He had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show the way before him in Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. [29] Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while. [30] Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.”

(28-30) Jacob and Joseph are reunited [See also 45:9]

Life had not been entirely beautiful for Jacob. In particular, he had understood for many years that his son was dead. Now his other sons had given him the word that Joseph was alive. Joseph had told his brothers exactly how to give this message to their father. “Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry.” His brothers followed his instructions: “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.”

Jacob found it hard to believe what his ears heard. Eventually he found the strength to have this reaction: “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” And now in 46:29 his eyes see the one he longed for. His arms embrace Joseph. He hears his sons cries and feels his grateful tears. Jacob reiterates his willingness to die: “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.” [Jesus died for you. Will you live for Him?]

[31] Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father's household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. [32] And the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ [33] When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ [34] you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

(31-34) Joseph gives wise instructions for the next chapter in Israel's life [See also 45:10]

No one in the family was going to die that day, even Jacob. They would live and prosper in Egypt. To do this well, they needed some instructions that would: 1- insure their separate life in Goshen while 2- avoiding unnecessary offense against Pharaoh and the Egyptians. [Illustration of the father's translation of German guard's speech in 1997 movie Life is Beautiful, and Application to our lives in our current “Egypt,” particularly for my friend Joe in Concord.]

To do this with heaven's power we must cultivate a longing for the face of the Son of God. Jesus, who has all power and authority, knows more about living the Christian life in every era than we do. We need to listen to Him and follow His Word. [See 1 Peter 1:1-2, 8-15a] Life is beautiful...

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 134:1-3

[1] Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD,
who stand by night in the house of the LORD!
[2] Lift up your hands to the holy place
and bless the LORD!
[3] May the LORD bless you from Zion,
he who made heaven and earth!

Gospel Reading—Matthew 26:6-13 – Jesus anointed at Bethany