[It was not a pleasing thing for an infirm old man, who was one hundred and thirty years of age, to leave his home, and set out upon so long a journey: but the mountains be- came a plain, when such an object was to be attained.
Nor is it pleasing for flesh and blood to encounter the diffi- culties which we must meet with in our journey heaven-ward. But who that loves our exalted Jesus will regard them ? who will not welcome reproach, and take up with cheerfulness whatever cross may lie in his way to that blessed kingdom ? Suppose that we must suffer the loss of our worldly interests and accommodations; who will not account them mere " stuff," that is unworthy of one moment's notice ? who will not readily exchange them for the fulness of the heavenly land, and for the enjoyment of the Saviour's presence? Difficulties become no difficulties, and sacrifices no sacrifices, when by faith we behold the Saviour's glory, and have an assured hope of par- ticipating it for ever.]
Reflections-
1. How amiable is the exercise of unfeigned love!
[Joseph, for peculiar reasons, had imposed a restraint upon his feelings, till the proper time arrived to give them vent : but when he was no longer under any necessity to conceal them, they burst forth in a torrent of affection, as waters that have broken down the dam by which they had been confined. He retained no anger against his murderous brethren, but fell on their necks and kissed them. His charge to them " not to fall out by the way," shewed how ardently he desired that they might maintain, with each other as well as with himself, the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. And how animated was his message to his dear aged father ! " Haste you, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph ; God hath made me lord of all Egypt : come down to me ; tarry not : and thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen ; and thou shalt be near unto me, thou and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast : and there will I nourish thee ! " Nor was the aged patriarch's affection less ardent, when once he was persuaded that his Joseph was yet alive. His whole sold was wrapt up in his darling son : and, in his determination to visit him, he lost sight of all his temporal interests : the thought of enjoying plenty in Egypt seems not to have entered into his mind : all that he cared for was a sight of Joseph ; and beyond that he had no wish in life.
Would to God it were thus in every church, and every family ! Thus indeed it will be, wherever the grace of God reigns in the heart. Instead of " rendering evil for evil," we shall " heap coals of fire on the heads " of those who injure us, to melt them
58,~] Jacob's interview with pharaoh. 297
into love. Instead of harbouring envy, or hatred, or a selfish indifference in our hearts, we shall feel the sublimest happi- ness in the exercise of love : parents will love their children, and children seek to requite their parents, and " brethren delight to dwell together in unity." O let us cultivate such a spirit, which shall be the best evidence, both to ourselves and others, that we are Christ's disciples.]
2. How delightful will be our interview with Christ in heaven!
[If we had beheld the meeting of this aged patriarch with his beloved Joseph, who amongst us could have refrained from
tears ? ■ — But what must be the meeting of the soul with
Jesus, on its first admission into his presence ? Who can con- ceive the tender endearments of the Saviour's love, or the admiration, gratitude, and joy with which the soul shall be overwhelmed in his embrace? Surely such an interview is worth the longest and most arduous journey. Well may we account every thing as dung and dross, to obtain it ; more espe- cially because it shall not be transient, like that which Jacob enjoyed, but permanent and everlasting. Behold then, we invite you all to a participation of it. He has said respecting you, " Father, I will that they whom thou hast given me may be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me." And is there one amongst you that will not add his Amen to that petition ? Make haste then, tarry not : " Mind not your staff" but commence your journey in- stantly : and soon shall death transport you into his presence ; and " then shall you be for ever with the Lord. Comfort ye one another with these words."]