“Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.”
What an incredible promise to a heartbroken, bitter, and cranky old man. Just a few verses later he would say to Pharaoh, “Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life.” While much difficulty did come upon him, God also blessed him. He prepared a plan for Jacob and all of his children and all of his descendants. Jacob’s days were neither few, nor evil. The favor of God had been upon him from birth. This favor continued as Jacob received a tender promise from God. Joseph would never again leave Jacob and would be there until death, by his side. Jacob was offered rest and assurance from God. He was not just spared and given the bare minimum. God promised above and beyond was Jacob deserved and met his most intimate desires. The promise was kept.
When in fear after their father’s death, Joseph’s brothers lied to him and attempted to protect themselves from the wrath they were convinced Joseph had towards them. Yet Joseph looked on them with compassion. Why did they fear him? Couldn’t they see that this was all for their good? “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?” How could he dare judge them? There was no thought of revenge in his mind. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good… do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” His words were kind and his love and compassion outpoured on them as he comforted them. The favor of God was upon them. God didn’t just give then “enough”, but they were cared for with the finest land in all of Egypt.
Generations later, God’s favor was again on Jacob. When Pharaoh decreed to have every male child put to death, “the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them… So God dealt well with the midwives… and because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.” In that moment, obedience could have cost them their lives. Yet God didn’t just spare their lives, he rewarded them greatly with the things they desired most: families! The people grew even greater.
Standing before a burning bush, Moses heard God make another promise, “When you go, you shall not go empty.” Jacob’s house was able to be set free. While freedom alone would have been merciful, while the lifted burden would have been gracious, and while being set to another land and home to be ruled by God would have been sufficient, God goes above and beyond in his love, “You shall not go empty.” The captives were going free and with them they would carry the spoils of the wealthiest kingdom in the known world.
God doesn’t just love. He loves abundantly.
God doesn’t just give. He gives extravagantly.
Why? Because that’s who He is!