This week we find Jacob moving his family to Egypt where his entire family is reunited. There were wonderful truths to be gleaned …
- May they all be there! “So Jacob and his entire family went to Egypt…” (Genesis 46:6, NLT) If you want the exact number, check out Genesis 46:26-27. All I know is I want to be like Jacob. I want to cross into heaven with ALL my people. I want each of them there with me. I bet you do too!!! May we be faithful to pray for our families each and every day.
- The Shepherds. The Egyptians despised Joseph’s family occupation of shepherding. In 1 Corinthians 1:27, we read God often chooses what is weak and lowly to shame those who think they are wise. Nothing should be considered beneath us. May our eyes be opened to the truth God often uses the simple jobs, the weak people, that which the world considers foolish to do His work. The Egyptians looked down on shepherds. Interesting when you think in light of Jesus being our Shepherd …Â
- May our words bless others. Jacob is brought into meet Pharaoh. He blessed Pharaoh upon entering his court and then again, before leaving his court (Genesis 47:9-10). May we remember, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV). May our words be encouraging, kind and gentle.
- Desperation will move us to do what we ordinarily would not. As the famine increases, the Egyptians are moved to give to Pharaoh all their money, all their livestock, their land, their harvests, and themselves. When we are feeling desperate or hopeless, may we remember and rely upon the truth of God’s Word to fight off the lies of the enemy.
- History will repeat itself if we are not careful. As he knows his last days are coming, Jacob looks to convey his blessing on Joseph’s sons. He does the same very same thing which had been done with himself and Esau – he gives the first born blessing to the second born.
May we learn to rest in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty to work out His will in our lives without our manipulation.
Today I am joining … Playdates With God and Create With Joy and Sharing His Beauty and #SmallWonder and Inspire Me Monday .
though i have read the bible numerous times I am happy to be reminded of these things this morning. As I type I am in a hotel lobby speaking with an employee who other people might think is less than them and listening to other guests treat him disrespectfully.
It is amazing how although we may have read something before, we need to be reminded. I am so glad you were there to speak with the hotel employee. It is amazing how we equate position with worth. Yet our worth comes solely from the One who lives inside of us & has nothing at all to do with ourselves. Thank you for stopping & sharing with me. Bless you!
Beautiful truths for a Monday morning, and, as the mother of a 4H sheep-lover, I’m happy about the thoughts on shepherds. Every Christmas, I rejoice that God chose them to be the first missionaries!
Michele, may we be reminded often of the lowly.
Thank you…God is always good and faithful. Going through in hard times is not an excuse to say that God is not good. God is always good even in our difficult times! Of course, I am very delighted to know that we should bless others in what we say… God created us to bless others too through our words. 🙂
Jesse, so many lessons to be learned from a familiar story. We are always in need of reminders, aren’t we? Thank you for blessing me with your words!
Lots of good lessons here from the life of Joseph. It’s always rewarding to me to see the good things that God sent his way after so many years of suffering. God always redeems and he always works his plan. Thanks for share these, Joanne.
Lisa, it is amazing how we never fail to be blessed in reading of God’s redemption in Joseph’s life. Brings such hope to us all. Grateful you stopped here!
What resonates with me this week from Joseph’s life is how all of the characters are changed from the beginning of the story to the end in order to be restored to relationship. May God continue to transform us all.
Wonderful point, Kelly. For relationship to be restored, we all must be changed. It never is one-sided. Thank you for adding your thoughts!
I very much enjoyed your insights of these scripture verses! I found them very edifying. I especially liked the quote, “I need an arsenal of truths stored up to fend off the enemies lies.” So very,very true!
Thanks for sharing!
The quote was direct from the study & are the words of Lara Williams. She has written a wonderful study 🙂