RTW January 17

The Faith Of A Patriarch

So, Jacob set out for Egypt with all his possessions.
Genesis 46:1

 

My Takeaways

Something Old

Patriarch:

  • the male head of a family or tribe.
  • any of those biblical figures regarded as fathers of the human race, especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, their forefathers, or the sons of Jacob.

Jacob demonstrated his faith by:

  • Setting out for Egypt with his entire family and all his belongings based on what the boys told him.
  • Offering sacrifices at Beersheba. This was the same place Abraham planted the tamarisk tree in Genesis 21 and Isaac met with God then offered a sacrifice in Genesis 26.
  • By moving forward after God’s appearance in the dream. I love that God knows our heart. He knew Jacob’s fear and need for confirmation.

All of these tell me that Jacob remained close to God in his 22 years of mourning the loss of Joseph. We can’t let our pain separate us from our God.

Something New

Jacob lived under Joseph’s care for 17 years, the same number of year Joseph lived under Jacob’s care.

Something to Do

 

 © RTW is a membership Online Bible study. The material is copyrighted and intended for the sole use of RTW members. Materials are not available for reprinting or distribution. All video teachings are intended for the sole use of RTW members. They are not available for copy and distribution on of any kind. Thank you.  All Rights Reserved.

5 Comments

  1. Something Old
    Genesis 45:24. Joseph admonishes his brothers to “not quarrel” as they travel. The family surely had a history of sibling rivalry and he had just bestowed upon Benjamin five times as many clothes, (again with the clothes!) and three hundred pieces of silver. He was obviously aware that this might cause the brothers to revert back to their old resentments and jealousy. As Believers and followers of Jesus Christ we are also instructed to get along. (John 13:34-35, Romans 12:10, Romans 12:16, I Corinthians 1:10). Jesus does not want us to go back to our “old ways” after we have been rescued from them.

    Something New
    Genesis 46:33. Joseph told his brothers to request that they be allowed to live in the land of Goshen, “for shepherds are despised in the land of Egypt.” This might simply mean that the Egyptians mistrusted strangers and nomads. Another commentary suggested that the sheep tended to pull the grass up by the roots as they grazed and therefore should be kept at a distance from the Egyptian cattle herders. Either way, Joseph felt it was better for them to be located in a separate area.

    Something To Do 
    Genesis 47:9. When Jacob was asked his age he responded, “I have lived for 130 hard years…..” He clearly was reflective of his many hardships and heartaches. Some of these were brought on by his own deceptive actions, and some were as he served at the will of a deceptive uncle. He remembered the loss of his favorite son. He endured a famine which forced him to move all the way to Egypt. I think my “to do” is to allow myself to be honest (and thorough) in my recounting my entire walk with The Lord. I want the hard lessons to do their work and train me. I want the image of Christ to be possible through my cooperation. I also want to be clear in my ability to see God’s mercy and grace and blessings in the midst of any and all “hard years”.

    2. I’m a few days behind, but I want to thank you for taking time to post your thoughts. I learn a lot from you!
      Blessings,
      Debbie

  2. My Takeaways:
    The story of Joseph is remarkable. I can definitely see how God had a plan from the very beginning for this family and though they made mistakes God did not allow their troubles to mess up his promises. This family was so divided in the beginning but God reunited them in the end. God is God. He is in control of everything. Nothing will ever stop him from carry out his plan. A great nation was created through this family just as God planned and promised.

    Something Old: Jacob and Joseph are reunited.

    Something New: Joseph’s brothers don’t appear to be jealous of Joseph anymore. They can’t go forward until they deal with their past mistakes. Joseph has a very forgiving heart toward his brothers. I wonder if the brothers finally confessed the whole true story to Jacob about what they had done? I’m not sure he could really believe that Joseph was alive without the true facts. I think they had to have confessed to it all – in order for the reunion to have happened.

    Something To Do: Don’t lose sight of what God is capable of doing.

Comments are closed.