Genesis 45:26, 27 And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not. And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived.
When Jacob heard wonderful, unbelievable Good News that Joseph was alive and ruling in Egypt, his heart fainted from unbelief. It couldn’t be; it was too good to be true; the joy was overwhelming. How could the loved one he gave up for dead still be alive? His prayers were answered; his hopes were realized.
A similar experience happened to the disciples when they saw the resurrected Jesus alive: “They still disbelieved for joy [Luke 24:41].” And for us, the Gospel of Life and Salvation is good news of great joy. We should be so overwhelmed with joy every time we hear the gospel that we become faint. The Law drives us to despair, then the Gospel lifts us to the highest hope. This is what happens to us when we hear the Gospel, repent and believe in remembering our Baptism, and receive the body and blood of Jesus in Holy Communion.
But that’s not all. When Jacob heard the words of Joseph and saw the wagons, his spirit revived. The Lord gave Jacob further signs and tokens of the truth to confirm the impossible and strengthen his faith. So also in our lives: the Lord touches us with his presence from time to time to lift our spirits. Though we don’t always feel it powerfully