Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jacob's vision at Beersheba; journey to Egypt; best land given to Jacob; Joseph and the famine; Joseph's sons blessed. Read the stirring details of how God used Joseph to dramatically save the small Israelite family from extinction.
Verses for Today:
Pharoah spake unto Joseph, saying. . . . in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell (Gen. 47:5-6).The Israelites (Jacob, his 12 sons, and their families — a total of 70 people) settled in Egypt in the land of Goshen (46:27-28). And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them . . . the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families. . . . And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly (47-11-12,27).
For many years, they enjoyed the prosperity of Egypt, but they eventually became involved in Egypt's sin of idol worship and lost sight of the promise of God who would bless them if they lived in obedience to Him. Eventually, they became enslaved by the nation that had once welcomed them. Even after the Exodus, many of the Israelites continued to worship the idols of Egypt (Acts 7:39-43).
Egypt was symbolic of the world with its many good things that so often keep the people of God from doing His will. The Lord has instructed us as His people: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (I John 2:15).
Satan directs all his strength and deception to capture our hearts' interest and keep us from being devoted to the Lord.
Our life on earth is only a pilgrimage; God never intended that we stay here permanently. Godliness with contentment is great gain. . . . And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (I Tim. 6:6-9).
Our purpose is to prepare ourselves for the purpose and the plan of God for our lives. It is of utmost importance that we not become sidetracked by material prosperity and lose eternal rewards.
Thought for Today:
Therefore I love Thy Commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold (Ps. 119:127).
Christ Portrayed:
By Joseph, who was placed by God second only to Pharaoh (Gen. 41:39-40) in order to sustain life and give provision (47:15-17). Jesus said: The Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (John 6:33).
Word Studies:
46:4 shall put his hand upon thine eyes =will close your eyes when you die; 47:4 sore =severe; 47:6 of activity =skillfull at their craft; 47:13 fainted =suffered, were exhausted; 47:18 not ought =nothing; 47:20 prevailed over them =continued to be severe; 47:21 removed them =loved them as servants; 48:6 issue, which thou begettest =your children; 48:10 were dim =became blind; 48:14 guiding his hands wittingly =crossing his hands intentionally.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter W. Swanson • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Country: Suriname (431,000) on the northeastern coast of South America • Major languages: Dutch and English • Very limited religious freedom • 27% Hindu; 22% Roman Catholic; 20% Protestant; 20% Muslim; 6% witchcraft and spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Fast, sanctify yourself, and unite in prayer with others as you cry unto the Lord (Joel 1:14).
Optional Reading: Matthew 16
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:4