21/11/2016 - THE POWER OF GOOD NEWS

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But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived.  Genesis 45.27

After Jacob heard from his sons that Joseph had died, he lost a piece of his soul. After all, how could God allow that to happen to his son if He promised to be with him and deliver him from all evil? In fact, not everything that we hear comes from the Lord, even if it is said by people that we love or trust. The Bible commands us to trust in God alone and not even in those who are close to us, for they can belong to the devil (Mt 16.13-23).

Jacob did not accept or believe in the news that Joseph was actually dead, for deep in his heart he believed that the God of his father was faithful and had shown that He was powerful to keep safe those who trust in Him. Never lose sight of the fact that God gave Himself to you, and so you will find faith and power to be victorious.

However, afterwards, when Jacob heard that Joseph was in fact alive, his heart stood still (v. 26). Then, he stood still in amazement, because the testimony that he heard was something real. Now, he always thought that someday he would hear about his beloved Joseph. The son he had with Rachel, the woman of his dreams for whom he worked for 14 years, could not have been taken from him by a wild beast. He who keeps what he receives never loses his reward.

After Jacob heard about the story of Joseph, he was filled with the certainty that he was not an impostor. The truth is that he who trusts in the Lord is never deceived, even if there are possible evidences shown. We need to grow in Biblical understanding, filling ourselves with wisdom and revelation. After all, the servant of God is never ashamed or mislead.

Having faith in the Most High is very different compared to religious people’s faith in their gods and religions. What makes us believe in the Lord is the testimony that He gives to our hearts of His faithfulness to our calling, and the operations He has done for us. This testimony is constant, complete, and solves any doubt that may still have in our hearts. Faith is our victory; therefore, we will never be defeated.

The patriarch took the decision to go see his son, and though he was old, when he heard the good news, he regained his strength and went to meet him. None of those whom God had given him would be lost. Therefore, when he received confirmation that Joseph was the highest authority in the greatest nation of those times, he was filled with praise for God. Thus, not even his old age hindered him from travelling a long distance.

Be sensitive to the Lord, serve Him wholeheartedly, and then, you will find out that He will never let you go. He will keep you from all evil and from sudden disaster. After all, God is faithful! The only way of being happy and fulfilled in life is having faith in Jesus, the Savior.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares