Years ago, you thought you'd lost your beloved son, Joseph, to a tragic death. The grief must have been unbearable. Now, after all this time, his brothers are returning from Egypt with incredible news. What would go through your mind?
The brothers are sent back to Jacob with incredible news. The text tells us, “And tell my father that I am still alive, and ye, behold, ye see that the Lord hath made me as a father to Pharaoh, and ruler over his house and over all the land of Egypt. And tell my father of all my glory, and all the riches and glory that the Lord hath given Me.” (Jubilees 43).
Joseph, risen to power in Egypt, sends them home laden with gifts. Not just any gifts, mind you. The passage goes on to say "And by the command of the mouth of Pharaoh he gave them chariots and provisions for the way, and he gave them all many-coloured raiment and silver. And to their father he sent raiment and silver and ten asses which carried corn, and he sent them away." (Jubilees 43).
Imagine the scene. The brothers arrive, dusty from their journey, and deliver the unbelievable message: Joseph is alive! Not only alive, but a ruler in Egypt! According to the text, Joseph "was measuring out corn to all the nations of the earth, and that he was ruler over all the land of Egypt." (Jubilees 43).
It’s more than just a family reunion story, isn't it? It’s a testament to resilience, to the power of hope against all odds, and the potential for redemption, even after years of separation and presumed loss. What does it mean to be given a second chance? What does it mean to rewrite a narrative that seemed fixed in tragedy?
Perhaps, like Jacob, we too can find unexpected joy and renewal when we least expect it.