Genesis 47:27 Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number.
Israel knew that Egypt was not his home. Even though he lived there for 17 years, he did not want to be buried there after he died. Those facts have me pondering this morning.
Genesis 47:28 Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and the years of his life were a hundred and forty-seven.
Going to Egypt couldn’t have been easy. (Though, with starvation as the other option, it probably wasn’t as hard as I might think.) But God gave Israel everything he needed to thrive in Egypt for 17 years.
Genesis 47:29-30 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.” “I will do as you say,” he said.
Precious Savior, Thank You that when You call us, You equip us with what we need to do the work. Thank You that as long as we seek You, You can use us anywhere, even where we already are. Help us to understand when You are calling us to courage and change and when You are calling us to patiently wait. Thank You that You are with us always. Amen.
Genesis 47:31 “Swear to me,” he said. Then Joseph swore to him, and Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
Have a blessed day.