January 28 – Genesis 46-47

Today’s reading comes from Genesis 46-47. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word.

Today we see a joyous reunion between father and son and we see God’s blessing being poured out. God has been building a nation and now he is getting ready to protect the nation he has built. Joseph was in just the right place to save his growing family of brothers, their wives, their children and even grandchildren. The whole family, seventy in all is now in the land of Egypt where there is food because of the work Joseph has kept.

As we read today’s events we quickly see how long and sever this famine is. It is so severe that the people finally place themselves in bondage to Pharaoh just to remain alive and not starve. What would Joseph’s family do if they had not been in Egypt during this time? What would Joseph’s family have done if his brothers had not sold him into slavery where he ended up in Egypt in charge of life saving food? The family line may have been wiped out and the promise with Abraham not fulfilled. But that is the God we serve. God had a plan and a purpose with Abraham and his decedents. And his purpose will play out no matter what natural events happen or choices we as humans make.

This is a theme we will continually see as we read through the Bible. Time and time again it will look bleak for God’s people. But each time it does, God works it out for them. He brings them through it. All so that his son can be born and die so that all mankind can know salvation. It is neat to see these little sprinklings of hope as God works to preserve his purpose. When it looks bleak in life, remember, God is in control, and he has a purpose and plan for your life. Will you accept it?