Nov 29, 2022
Jacob’s burial is recorded, followed by his sons' fear of Joseph and plea for mercy. Genesis concludes with a simple statement of what all of history reveals, especially the life of Jesus, the life of Job, and Paul’s observation in Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: God makes all things work together for good.
Nov 28, 2022
Jacob’s last words to his other sons are a reflection on each son’s history and character. We might also find it interesting to remember Jacob’s words about each son as we read their history in the rest of the Old Testament. Notice how much more time Jacob spends on Judah, from whom the promised Savior will...
Nov 25, 2022
Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons, reversing birth order against Joseph’s complaint, impressing us again with the contrast between the less significant formalities of physical life and the truly significant substantiveness of the life that God works in us by means of His promises.
Nov 24, 2022
The famine continues and Joseph’s wise service to Pharaoh is impressive. Over the years, the people spend their money, livestock, lands, and then their own lives for bread; thus they are impoverished and Pharaoh is enriched. Still, Joseph lets the people live in their homes and on their lands and keep four-fifths of...
Nov 23, 2022
Joseph sends for Jacob, and Jacob journeys to Egypt. Jacob’s life is especially illustrative of the children of God (also known as children of promise, which is illustrative of our regenerate soul). Jacob’s sojourn in this world (in his physical body) includes time in Egypt. Jacob’s family is reunited and he...