I was reading Genesis this afternoon and noticed something I hadn't noticed before.
By chapter 46, Joseph is the center of the narrative. He is the power amongst his brothers, the redemptive hero, the one through whom even Egypt is blessed. Israel, his father, still lives, and decides to travel down to see his son Joseph one last time before he dies.
On the way to Egypt, Israel is met by the Lord.
So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, "Jacob! Jacob!"
"Here I am," he replied.
"I am God, the God of your father," he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes." 46.1-4
Israel has already decided to go to Egypt- God doesn't need to tell him to. Israel is an old man, and has already been surpassed in the story- Israel no longer needs to be 'in the loop'. Israel does not need to be affirmed, or informed. And yet God speaks to him anyway, with comfort and vision. God smiles on Israel one last time, for no apparent reason.
Moreover, God calls Israel 'Jacob', the name of his youth. It is endearing, familial, as though God has known him since he was a child. And God concludes his vision with a picture of a peaceful end to Israel's days, surrounded by those he most loves.
I believe this is an example of God's love. There seems to be no value-add, no clear reason for his continued engagement with yesterday's patriarch. Yet even when he has accomplished all that is necessary to fulfill his great purposes in us, still he deigns to speak with us, to meet with us- and for no other reason than his unnecessary kindness.
