Passage
Genesis 47:27-48:22 (ESV)
Fallen Babylon
Revelation 18:1-24
Key Verse: 18:4
God Has Been My Shepherd
Date: Jul. 16, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 48:15
First, "Do not bury me in Egypt (47:27-48:4). Jacob lived his last 17 years of life in Egypt, but his hope was in the land God promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Even though Jacob and his relatives lived well in Egypt, they had to return to claim the promised land. So Jacob made Joseph swear to him that after he died, Joseph would bury him in Canaan. Why? Because God appeared to Jacob, blessed him and promised him a fruitful community and the land as an everlasting possession. Jacob planted faith in God's promises in his family members.
Second, may God my Shepherd bless these boys (48:5-22). Jacob was so thankful that God had allowed him not only to see Joseph again, but his sons as well. He counted Joseph's sons as his own and blessed them to receive God's protection and increase. He blessed younger Ephraim ahead of firstborn Manasseh. God's blessings aren't limited to birth order. Jacob's faith was that God would be with them and take them back to the land of their fathers.
Prayer: Lord God, you have been my Shepherd until now. I hope in your promises.
One Word: God is our Shepherd
