Sometimes, we get so excited about getting something we've longed for that we by-pass the all important consultation with the Lord. Even something so powerful as the reunion with a long lost relation is not more important than obedience to God's commands. Israel powerfully demonstrates this critical principle for us in two short lines:
Then Israel said, "It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die." So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
Genesis 45:28-46:1 (NKJV)
Remember the context... Israel believed his beloved son Joseph was dead... and perhaps suspected that it was at the hand of the sons now reporting that Joseph was alive. Suddenly, he gets news that Joseph lives and prospers and is ready with life-saving food for the entire nation. Wouldn't the normal reaction be to drop everything and run to see his son? Isn't that what you would do?
This man's desire to obey the LORD was so strong that he did not abandon all to see a child restored from death. Instead, he went first to commune with God, to talk to God, and to receive instruction from God. In so doing, he saved his nation.
For you and me, then, the lesson is the same. Desire direction from the Lord, and keep our knee-jerk emotional reactions in their proper place. To do so is to release untold blessings into our lives.
Be encouraged,
José
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