Genesis 48:11 NLT
Then Jacob said to Joseph, “I never thought I would see your face again, but now God has let me see your children, too!”
Among the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), Jacob’s life story was longer and dotted with distressful moments than the others. This was made even worse by the hatred his sons had against one another, which ultimately led to Joseph’s slavery in Egypt (Gen 37:18-28). Claimed by his brothers to have been devoured by a wild animal, Joseph’s separation from Jacob made him mourn “…deeply for his son for a long time. His family all tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. ‘I will go to my grave mourning for my son,’ he would say, and then he would weep” (Gen 37:34-35 NLT).
On the other side in Egypt, the Scripture says, “The LORD was with Joseph, and he [even though a slave] became a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian” (Gen 39:2 AMP). Hallelujah! Years later, as a result of God’s divine purpose and plan, Jacob and his entire family moved to Egypt. By this time, the LORD had given Joseph children, and Jacob asked to bless them (Ephraim and Manasseh). At that point, as indicated in our reference text, Jacob said to Joseph, “I never thought I would see your face again, but now God has let me see your children, too!” Hallelujah!
Jacob’s words possess a deep sense of gratitude to God for being so gracious and doing even more for him. Notice, having gone through so much, Jacob could have chosen to recount the days he mourned, and thus remain in deep regret. Thankfully, despite the hardships of the past, Jacob chose to focus on and be grateful to God for the blessings of the present. Yes, the worst could have happened to Joseph; but God blocked it, took the day, and turned everything for good! Beloved, like it was with Jacob, may the same grace of our Lord Jesus make you see, receive, and experience far more blessed good than you ever expected!
Pst. Emmanuel