The Reunion

THE REUNION 

[They] came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him. Genesis 46:6

         A movie was made twenty years ago, called JOSEPH, a powerful representation of the entire story. You watched his life unfold from a young boy to the ruler of Egypt. My favorite part of the movie is the reunion between Jacob and Joseph at the very end. The scene is forever etched in my memory and several times a year, I will put in the DVD and watch that three-minute clip again. Let me paint the picture for you.

         Jacob and his entire family are walking in the desert toward Egypt. There are several hundred of them. Jacob is out in front. He is old, slowly plodding along with the help of a cane and a son on each side. His face is determined but the weariness of such a long journey is evident.

         The scene changes and Joseph is leaving the gates of Egypt in a royal entourage. In the chariot with him are his two sons, both under the age of ten. In the other chariot are Pharaoh and a few of his leaders who go to support Joseph. You see them come to the crest of a hill that overlooks the desert floor below.

         The dust settles and as it does, the scene of several hundred nomads in the distance fill his view. Joseph knows who they are. Though a mile away, Joseph cannot wait. He leaves Pharaoh and drives his personal chariot at breakneck speed downward into the valley to meet them. As he nears his father, horses are recklessly pulled to a stop. Joseph jumps out, sees his father a few dozen feet away, and is overcome. He loses all strength and crumbles to his knees. Jacob rushes to him, draws his head into the folds of his tunic, and engages in an embrace that is unforgettable. “My son. Praise be to God. My son!” There is weeping for a long time as everyone else stands at a distance to give father and son this moment.

         Jacob finally looks up to see two young boys in Joseph’s chariot. He understands. “These are your sons. My grandchildren. “Come,” Jacob says. “Come, so I may bless you.” He speaks prophetic words over each boy and kisses the tops of their heads. Joseph dries his father’s tears and tells him that God brought him to Egypt to save their lives. There is joy ahead and a good life in Egypt.

         Now, maybe you have to see the movie to be moved. (I’ve provided a link below so you can purchase it for yourself.) I can never watch this reunion without being moved. And I can never see it without thinking of the reunion that is coming between Jesus and me. I believe it will be like this. Finally, our eyes meet at a distance. Finally, the embrace I’ve been waiting for all my life. What about bowing at His feet in worship? Afterward.

I’ve only caught a nuance of how you feel me. I get a sense of it each time we talk in prayer. But I’ll see the full effect at our reunion.   The pleasure of my company that you describe in Scripture humbles me, Lord. Amen