Genesis 47

Jacob recognizes that he hasn’t yet arrived. His life has been a “pilgrimage,” or “sojourn.” He sees the days of his life as “few and evil.” He is still waiting for the promises of God to be fulfilled. He is still waiting for his inheritance in the promised land.

Hebrews 11:8-9 (WEB) “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.”

We, however, have seen the spiritual fulfillment of those promises, if we believe. We have a place, a people, and a home through Jesus!

Hebrews 11:22-24 (WEB) “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels, to the festal gathering and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant…”

The Egyptian people give everything to Joseph, and he is seen as their savior (47:25). And this gives us further insight into his life. He was despised, rejected, falsely accused, and suffered, but was ultimately vindicated and exalted. Oh, and he forgave those who caused him harm. Does that remind you of anyone? This is why he is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus!

Thought for the day: How do you see the days of your life? If you have Jesus, you have hope, and you have a reason to praise!

Hebrews 13:15 (WEB) “Through him, then, let’s offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name.”