REVIVED IN SPIRIT

“…but it was only when he saw the wagons which Yosef had sent to carry [Ya’akov] that the spirit of Ya’akov their father began to revive.”
Genesis 45:27b

With the order to not delay, the brothers were on their way. But when they returned to Ya’akov with the news that their brother Yosef was still alive, Ya’akov had a hard time believing. He had put away the idea of Yosef being alive when the brothers had told him Yosef was dead, producing a torn up and bloodstained coat. Now the brothers were telling him that he was alive and was the second in command in Egypt. I am glad I wasn’t part of that conversation, where Ya’akov quite honestly may have been going off on his sons for their actions and lies. Yet still, the Torah records that Ya’akov did not believe his sons this time around. In fact, it wasn’t until the wagons that were sent were seen that Ya’akov was revived.
The word ‘revived’ here is the Hebrew word CHAYAH. Its definition is probably what you would expect – to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, and to restore. In seeing the wagons sent from Egypt specifically to carry back all the possessions and people of Ya’akov’s camp, his spirit became to be restored. In seeing these things he began to believe this tall tale his sons were sharing with him. And in seeing these wagons, hope that Yosef was still alive began to grow.
It seems odd that wagons would have that much affect, but they did. Wrapped up in the sight of the wagons were hope, a new life, and an end to famine. Who is to say otherwise how the sons would have convinced their father of Yosef’s life? But then, who is know what same oddity brings revival to us? What is the wagon that we have seen, or will be convinced by? Our spirit too may be in need of revival. Our wagons also may be on their way. And when we see them, we like Ya’akov will be revived in spirit. Do not lose hope, the wagons are coming.

Genesis 45:19-27