February 9, 2022 - Genesis 46-47

We have moved several times and each one is an adventure that unfolds uniquely and at its own pace. The anticipation of moving is exciting and exhilarating as the prospects of what's new looms before us! The lure of the unknown and the excitement of the move drives us forward with unbounded energy.

Israel (Jacob) and his family were instructed to come to Egypt and to settle in the land of Goshen. Pharoah and the court of Egypt had such high regards for Joseph that his family was welcomed to reside close to Joseph. God allowed this land to be a place where the nation of Israel could prosper and be nurtured until it was strong enough to survive in a hostile world.

Moving is never an easy task and it gets more difficult as you become older. Jacob was now 130 years old and yet he drew strength from knowing that God was directing him and that his son was in Egypt preparing a place for him to live. While he had been warned about Egypt by his father (26:2) and knew the troubles Abraham had going to Egypt previously, he went with confidence. God had directed him in 46:3 to go and prosper there with his son Joseph.

While Egypt was not Israel's home, it was a place where God could provide a haven and build Israel into a great nation. Jacob was a blessing to both his children, grandchildren, and Pharaoh while he lived in Egypt.

The New Testament writers describe believers as pilgrims, sojourners, and ambassadors in a foreign land until we reach home. While we are foreigners, we are to represent our Savior and assist others to come to know Him. This week speak, act, and be an example of the God we serve.