08/02/2017 - A FATHER’S SUFFERING

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And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and he said, “For I shall go down into the grave to my son in mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.  Genesis 37:35

Jacob was useful to give us very important lessons; but the one about the love he had for Joseph and his others sons and daughters is certainly beautiful.  It teaches us to never give up on our children – both natural and spiritual.  Although he loved those God had entrusted to him, the patriarch did not restrain from reprimanding Reuben, the first born, when he transgressed and after disinheriting him for having abused of the concubine to Dan and Naftali’s father and mother, brothers of Reuben.

In a certain way, Jacob resembles the Lord Jesus that, in order to conquer for Himself a glorious family, fought every possible way to remove us from the hands of the enemy.  The Master, never gives up, even when in a moment of weakness we repeat our concession to the enemy’s will.  This steadfastness of the Almighty impresses us for there are cases in which many brothers in faith are misled by satanic lies causing suffering and pain to the Body of Christ, but with love, He rescued them.

Jacob labored for seven years to have Rachel (the woman that he loved) at his side.  On being fooled by his father-in-law and having received Lea, he didn’t mind working another seven years.  Later, even having his wages altered ten times, he believed that the Lord would not let him suffer loss.  Only those who look to the Author of our faith can have a similar attitude, because even though the circumstances don’t seem logical, they can persevere to the end.

There is no consolation for a lost child, since the verdict declared in judgment is for eternity.  Therefore we must fight not to allow losing any part of an inheritance from God.  The sentencing can be destined to any who in a conscious way refused God’s pardon and also to those who did not do what should have been done to save such a life.  Just knowing that somebody got lost because of our fault, the suffering is huge and endless.

During Jacob’s afflicting pain, the sons that lied and created the story of the ferocious beast that quartered Joseph tried to comfort him, but a false word of relief never soothes a deceived and troubled heart. Only those that truly serve God have the power to console, heal and lift the fallen.  If someone hides their error against the other and at the same time tries to help, there is no chance to obtain success.

Why didn’t God give Jacob the discernment that the story told by his sons was false?  He probably did.  However, since the patriarch’s heart was weighted with sadness (or maybe to give us such a precious lesson) he did not perceive the lie.  At the same time that he heard the fraudulent story, he prophesied in his heart, that he would descend to his son’ grave but he went to meet him in Egypt.

Learn with the Holy Spirit to fight for those that God gave you in your natural family and in your work of God, who are your eternal family. Don’t abandon or give up on anyone until they are converted or you have crossed to the other side and are in the presence of the Lord.  You are given and have the power to keep what is yours.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares