“He Believed Them Not” (Gen 45:26)

“And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father, and told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not” (vs25-26).

Because of unbelief, our heart and lives are weak. We don’t believe the RICHES that we have in Christ, that Joseph, our Brother in the faith, has ascended God’s RIGHT HAND to help us. Therefore, we stew in the misery of unbelief.

If we will be saved, then God must revive us. Just as Jacob couldn’t believe the gospel and the riches of Christ, even so, because of WEAKNESS and carnal unbelief, we can’t either. So, God does for us what He did for Jacob: “And they told [Jacob] all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them” (Gen 45:27). They clearly and cheerfully preached God’s GRACE in Jesus, as He is. They didn’t change or cower to stir up Jacob; they were FAITHFUL to their charge. It continues, “and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived”, so that as we preach Christ in faith, the Holy Spirit causes ELECT sinners to see the salvation of God (vs27). It is not human wisdom but faithfully preaching Christ, attended by the Spirit, that produces comfort and healing - “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory“ (1 Cor 2:7).  Genesis 45:28 continues saying, “And Israel”, the name of prevailing with God by faith and prayer, “said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die”.  Here, we see the order of service:

1. The believer is shown Christ for himself, even as Joseph revealed Himself to the church - “And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.  Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here: for God did send me before you to preserve life“ (Gen 45:4-5).

2. The believer is COMMISSIONED with the gospel, so that PERSONAL salvation never goes without corporate commission, or the mandatory call to serve others - “And you shall tell [Jacob] of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall haste and bring down [Jacob] here“ (Gen 45:13).

3. The brethren are equipped, given the Father’s blessing, and sent with all they need to succeed, so that the Spirit is given to us by God the Father through the Son who JOINS with Christ in the redemption (calling and salvation) of the redeemed (chosen and bought by blood) - “Now you are commanded, this do you; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father [Jacob], and come“ (Gen 45:19).

4. God’s GRACE and the word of the gospel CONQUERS the wickedness of unbelief, so that faith, which shows the wealth of the inheritance, is God’s tool to show the languishing sinner all that he needs (Gen 45:26-27).

Just as Jacob was saved by persuasion, even so, you and I have been PERSUADED by God to follow His Son. All that we meant for evil… all sin… was used of God to EXALT the Lord Jesus for SAVING us and to bring SALVATION to us - “And God sent me before you to preserve you a remnant in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me here, but God: and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt“ (Gen 45:7-8). He has removed our sins and blessed us fully, so we are not to fear. We have a clean slate with God, and by this “no condemnation” and inheritance, we GO OUT hastily to preach Christ to others.

My brethren, do not be tricked out of obedience to Christ. Don’t try to enjoy your salvation without striving to help others. This is our commission, and as Joseph charged His brethren, “See that you fall not out by the way”, even so, the Son CHARGES us to preach and honor Christ (Gen 45:24).

The elect shall be saved by the Spirit through the Christ that we have received. Preach and honor Him: showing what He has given to faith.