Good morning, dear family,
The story of Joseph reflects how God beautifully orchestrates events in our lives to fulfill His Promises. Jacob, along with his household was moving to Egypt where God had lifted the dreamer boy to a position of authority. There was famine all around and moving out with about 70 people to a new place was certainly not an easy decision for Jacob. Yet Jacob, whose spirit was now revived, decided to step out in faith!
God spoke to him in a vision:
“During the night God spoke to him in a vision. “Jacob! Jacob!” he called. “Here I am,” Jacob replied. “I am God, the God of your father,” the voice said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation. I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again. You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to close your eyes.” So Jacob left Beersheba, and his sons took him to Egypt. They carried him and their little ones and their wives in the wagons Pharaoh had provided for them.”
Genesis 46:2-5 NLT
1. PROMISE REASSURED – God did not speak to Jacob before he stepped out. It was only at Beersheba that He reassured Jacob that He would go with him and secondly, that He would make his family into a great nation in Egypt. Jacob was already in Canaan, the promised land, but the fulfillment of nation building was to happen in Egypt and this stepping out in faith was significant.
In our human understanding, at times, it is difficult to step out, but let us be reminded that our God is always with us and true to his promises. He will unfold His plans at the right time, at the right place.
2. PROMISE OF REUNION – Dying in a foreign land was another question for Jacob. God assured him that his end will not be in pain, but he will die in peace. His son Joseph ,whom God chose to lead the nation, will be there to close his eyes when he breathes his last. Life has become uncertain these days, but when God has planned our life, we can trust Him for the end to be beautiful and meaningful.
3. PROMISE OF RETURN – One of the best things about this passage is that Jacob obeyed God. God assured him that He will bring his descendants back into the Promised Land. Today, God wants that sheer obedience from us. Like Jacob, let us move in faith because God has a time, has a place where He blesses before we will be taken to the Promised Land!
Maybe God is speaking to one of you today. Throughout the Bible, God never left Jacob’s family. He remained faithful to His Word. Though people of Israel forgot God and did many things to displease Him, but God remained faithful to Jacob and his family. Let’s trust Him with all of our heart.
““Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”
Isaiah 46:3-4 NLT
Amen 🙏