So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, "Jacob! Jacob!"
"Here I am," he replied.
"I am God, the God of your father," He said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes." — Genesis 46:1-4
Every time I return to this passage, I am struck with the silence of God. For at least twenty-two years, God knew that Joseph was alive and well in Egypt. He could have revealed that to Jacob at any time, but, instead, silence.
God said nothing to one of His most trusted servants, to the patriarch that became the father of His chosen people, Israel. God could have rescued Jacob from his grief and from his anxiety at any time. But He waited 22 years until this night in Beersheba.
God’s word to Jacob brought Jacob’s life’s story to a close. He would be reunited with his lost son. He would die in peace with his family restored. God’s word also began to show Jacob how his life fit into God’s bigger plans for His chosen nation.
Some of us are in the period of silence. Our lives don’t make much sense, and God isn’t offering any explanation. I want to encourage you. A Beersheba word is coming. God does not create lives that make no sense. Your life will be complete and it will make sense.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.