Good Morning.
And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them. 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 45:26-27)
Can you imagine? Believing your son to be dead for many years and then to hear that, not only is he alive, but that he is one of the most powerful men in the world. It was obviously overwhelming to Jacob, so much so that “his heart stood still.” More importantly, the Bible tells us that his spirit was “revived” at the news of Joseph’s “resurrection.” In a sense, this is saying that breath and life came into Jacob and he was resuscitated when he heard the good news. In fact, in the next verse, he is referred to as Israel rather than Jacob as if to say that receiving the news has renewed the call upon his life. He’s not the heel catcher but the prince of God who overcomes his enemies.
Again, looking at these events prophetically, Jacob’s revival, and being referred to as Israel, points us to the prophecy in Ezekiel 37. As the prophet surveyed a valley filled with dry bones, God asked him whether they could live. As he began to prophesy, the bones came together and life entered into them and they became a mighty army. At that point the Bible says that this army is “the whole house of Israel” (Ezekiel 37:11). The point is, Israel the people had been considered as dead but God declared that they will live. Once they are revived in the last days, they will fulfill the call He has placed upon them as a nation.
This prophecy is one of several that declare God will indeed bring all of His people into the land of Israel to live in peace when the Messiah sits upon His throne in Jerusalem; that includes those of us who follow Yeshua. The events leading up to that day will cause many hearts “to stand still” in stunned awe at the miracle that develops before them. When God speaks and His Spirit begins to move upon His people, the nations of the world will have to give up them up. I would argue that this is the Great Reset that is coming; not the what man has planned.
On a more personal level, let us be reminded that what God has spoken to us will come to pass. At times it seems that the promises He gave us are out of reach and, in our discouraged minds, impossible. But when you are tempted to feel that way remember that, in an instant, Jacob was reinvigorated when he received news that the “impossible” was possible. The one he thought was dead was alive! Let us be encouraged with this thought — the promise is not dead; God’s just orchestrating the environment and time for it to be revealed. Stand strong.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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