Passage
Genesis 47:1-12 (ESV)
Date: Jul. 14, 2015
Genesis 47:1-12 (ESV)
Key Verse: 47:9
First, keep your humble jobs (1-6). Joseph did not misuse power and wealth to put his brothers on government payroll (nepotism) or give them easy palace jobs. Rather, he had them keep working as humble shepherds, their lifelong occupation. Shepherds were despised by Egyptians. So they lived in Goshen, a good pasture land, but separate from the Egyptian people, where they would increase greatly.
Second, Jacob's pilgrimage (7-12). Joseph introduced his father to Pharaoh. Jacob blessed (or greeted) Pharaoh. Pharaoh was curious how old Jacob was. He was 130, but he called his years "few and difficult," and not equal to his fathers. He also called his life a pilgrimage. Indeed, life is a journey. This world is not our permanent home, but a temporary dwelling place; we're just passing through. Abraham knew this and looked forward to heaven (Heb 11:9,16). Peter called his body a "tent" (2Pe 1:13).
Prayer: Lord, you are the strength and guide of my life journey. Help me live humbly, not grabbing the world, but seeking your kingdom and glory.
One Word: I am on a pilgrimage to God
Revelation 17:1-18
Key Verse: 17:14