Focus Chapters:
- Genesis 45:16-28
- Genesis 46
- Genesis 47:1-27
Standout Verse(s):
THE ACTION
Genesis 46:1-4 NLT
So Jacob set out for Egypt with all his possessions. And when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac.
During the night God spoke to him in a vision. “Jacob! Jacob!” he called.
“Here I am,” Jacob replied.
“I am God, the God of your father,” the voice said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation. I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again. You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to close your eyes.”
THE REACTION
Genesis 46:5-7 NLT
So Jacob left Beersheba, and his sons took him to Egypt. They carried him and their little ones and their wives in the wagons Pharaoh had provided for them. They also took all their livestock and all the personal belongings they had acquired in the land of Canaan. So Jacob and his entire family went to Egypt— sons and grandsons, daughters and granddaughters—all his descendants.
Observation (s):
- Jacob had a lot to fear in Egypt because he had a lot to lose. The Israelites were shepherds. In two instances in Genesis, the scripture mentions that the Egyptians disliked shepherds. We were also shown that the brothers were not allowed to sit with the Egyptians when they lunched with Joseph due to their profession. Leaving Canaan and going to Egypt required Jacob to risk his livelihood and ability to provide for his family. Additionally, Jacob also stood a risk of losing his sons to the son who he had not seen since he was a boy who was gravely wronged by his brothers. He had no idea of the type of man Joseph had turned out to be.
- During the big move, God, understanding Jacob’s fear, seeks him out and takes the time to reassure him. God is quite real with Jacob, ensuring He sets his expectations. God also promised to be there with Jacob in Egypt and ensure his family thrives.
During the night God spoke to him in a vision. “Jacob! Jacob!” he called.
“I am God, the God of your father,” the voice said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation. I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again.
- Jacob placed his present and future in God’s hands when he made the move to Egypt. He took everything he owned along with his sons and his descendants.
They also took all their livestock and all the personal belongings they had acquired in the land of Canaan. So Jacob and his entire family went to Egypt— sons and grandsons, daughters and granddaughters—all his descendants.
Application:
I love the fact that God cared enough about Jacob to seek him out and reassure him that things will be okay. It is heartening to know that while I may be 1 among billions and insignificant to many, the God of all creation still sees me and knows my thoughts, fears and desires. He is there with me every step of the way to ensure that I receive a fruitful and blessed end and seeks to assure me, if I would just listen.
With such guidance and care from our Heavenly Father, we should have faith and be more inclined to place our present and futures into His hands. The move to Egypt is scary and full of risks but rest assured that God has you and your family covered. He promises that He will be there with you and that the move will be a blessing, not just to you but also to your family. Take that leap of faith! Make the move despite your fears! After all, God has everything under control!
