Jacob had grown lean having lived in sorrow for over 13 years.

After Joseph’s demise, he became more protective of his right-hand son, Benjamin. He kept Benjamin close and deprived him of any adventure that would endanger his life. Allowing Benjamin to go to Egypt was out of the question. Jacob’s life was hanging by a thread, and if a hair strand of Benjamin fell to the ground, Jacob would be dead.

When he learns that the Egyptian governor imprisoned Simeon, he is sorrowful. However, that sorrow was less than he would have felt had Benjamin been involved. That was the son of his old age.

However, the rigidity, vulnerability, and overprotectiveness he displayed towards Benjamin weren’t all due to Benjamin. Jacob had lost his begotten son Joseph to wild animals. His son from his favourite wife, Rachel. The son who had a coat of many colours. A different son who wanted to do what was right and nothing else. His son with big dreams that others hated.

The years that followed the death of Joseph were traumatic for Jacob. He was breathing but no longer living. We can’t read of special divine encounters anymore of Jacob. Everything reminded him of Joseph’s death, though years had passed. His body was alive, but his spirit was dead – directionless, sorrowful, always teary, talking about the past at every instance.

So, when Jacob learnt that Joseph was still alive and had become the governor of Egypt, his heart fainted because the news poked at a wound that had refused to heal.

But when he saw the wagons that Joseph sent to carry him, his spirit revived. He believed his sons’ words about Joseph, and his spirit received life. He said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.” True to the revival of his spirit, Jacob lived another 17 years after this.

Something good happens to a dead spirit when it receives good news. It is rejuvenated, restored, revived, and refreshed. The body follows suit and receives more years added to it.

You have been expecting something. Or rather you had lost hope about someone or something. The day you lost that thing was the day you died. Since that day, you barely know your direction in life. You seem to act mad sometimes. You have become overprotective of your remaining Benjamin.

You have concluded your Joseph lost and gone. However, each time you remember him you weep; years fizzle out of you because of sorrow.

Today, I tell you that you will hear good news. The good news will revive your spirit and add more joyful years to you. You didn’t lose that person or thing. The Joseph you considered lost is now more glorious, kingly, and rewarding than before. Open your hands and receive the wagons of goods he sent and be quick to see him. He is alive and well.

Prayer: My spirit shall revive. I shall receive better than I thought lost.