#121 Thy Face, Oh what a day Genesis 46

28 And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen. 29 And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 30 And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive. 31 And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me; 32 And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. 33 And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation? 34 That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. Genesis 46:28-34 KJV

It would appear that Judah is the recognized lead among his brethren, and he is sent ahead by his father. Joseph goes out to meet his father after many years of separation. It is not without emotion, and Jacob's response is, "now let me die, since I have seen thy face." No one wants to bury their children, and we would all like to see them well and successful long after they have left us. I would like to see my children grown and if they choose to have children, I would like to reach that point where I can help support and give of my time. Jacob's son had been lost to him for a long time, and in a way he thought was final. He would love all the same things, as any grandfather would, but he was now receiving something he before thought impossible. What more could he ask for? At this point, it is as if he has received from the dead. Everything about that moment is a far cry from the struggles and wrestling that has marked his life. It is a very good day to die. 

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.… Philippians 1:21&22

…23I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24"Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25"O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me;…John 17:23-25