Signs of Maturity

And his heart grew numb, for he did not believe them. ...the spirit of Jacob their father revived. And Israel said, It is enough. Genesis 45:26b, 27b, 28a.

Jacob had been agonizing under the assurance of lies that his son Joseph was killed. Surprisingly, out from nowhere, as in a miracle of a fantastic imaginative dream, was told that Joseph was alive! Out of utter disbelief, his heart became numb. The mourning heart for years yearning and longing for his beloved son Joseph knowing assuredly it was a vain desire indeed was suddenly given an electrifying shock of the good news that the ones whom he reckoned death was actually living. His whole soul was emptied out in disbelief, despair and depression. However, his spirit was revived!

A person's heart comprises of his whole soul. Jacob's heart became numb was a proof that his soul became numb. The spirit of man is enveloped by the soul of man. For an un-transformed and immature person, his soul and spirit are entwined. What affects the soul affects the spirit. If the soul is saddened, so shall his spirit too. But at the age of 130 years, Jacob, having been dealt with in all angles of life was not only transformed but also grown unto maturity. Therefore, his spirit was revived. Meaning his soul's feelings had nothing to do with what his spirit felt. His soul and spirit were distinctly divided (Heb. 4:12), thereby manifesting his maturity in life.

Then he responded with much gravity, "It is enough." Had he not grown unto maturity he would have asked a thousand and one questions, reasoning, doubting, confirming, clarifying so on and so forth. However, his solemn response was sober and mature, manifesting and emanating the scent of maturity, a sweet fragrance of honorable dignity.

This morning as I read these verses, the Lord impressed me deeply of how much I need to grow in life and be mature. I know where I stand and dare not trumpet any noisy-empty-vain fantasy. I just look to the Lord for more grace, more opportunity to be transformed and ultimately be matured according to His heart's desire. I still have a long way to go, before I sleep. Lord, have mercy on me. Lord, grow in me.